Harvard Business School (HBS) announced that it would build a significant new structure on the School’s Boston campus, where HBS can harness the energy and creativity of the thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and leaders of all kinds who convene there each year. Expected to open in 2018, the facility will combine the elements of a large-scale conference center, a performance space, and an intimate community forum.
The new building will be named Klarman Hall in recognition of a generous gift from Seth and Beth Klarman. Seth Klarman (MBA 1982) is president and CEO of The Baupost Group, a Boston-based investment management firm. His wife, Beth Klarman, is president of the Klarman Family Foundation. Both are also members of the Business School’s Board of Dean’s Advisors.
In discussing their inspiration for the gift, Mr. Klarman noted that Harvard Business School has a unique capacity to contribute to the public dialogue about effective and responsible management.
“When you bring people with talent, vision, and ambition together in a space designed specifically to facilitate connections, conversation, and debate, the potential for transformative ideas and action is limitless,” said Mr. Klarman. “Beth and I believe game-changing innovations will emerge from this space. HBS has played an important and ongoing role in my life and it’s a privilege to able to give back to a school that has given us so much.”
Harvard Business School hosts some 700 events a year ranging in nature from research conferences to symposia to cultural events. Tens of thousands participate. Its residential campus is a place where learning happens not just in the classroom but also over meals, in the hallways, and in common areas throughout the campus. As the School’s renowned case method of discussion-based learning demonstrates, HBS is a place where frank conversations can lead to consensus and ultimately, action.
Noted HBS Dean Nitin Nohria, “With this wonderful gift, the Klarmans enable us to bring together leaders—in academia, in business, and in policy—in a world-class way to spur not just dialogue but action. We know that if we can create a gathering place of high functionality and high purpose, and if we leverage our convening power within that space, we can significantly affect the public debate about issues that are of the greatest importance to people at this School, in this country, and around the globe. All this is in keeping with Harvard Business School’s mission of educating leaders who make a difference in the world.”
"Through their efforts in business, their engagement in their community, and their involvement in philanthropy and charitable work, Beth and Seth Klarman have set the highest possible standard for those who want to dedicate their resources, as they have stated, to 'the service of society's greatest challenges,'" said Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust. "Their generosity will make lasting marks at Harvard and beyond. We are grateful to them for this magnificent gift and for what it will do to enhance the educational experiences of future generations of students, faculty, and leaders who will gather at Harvard Business School to exchange ideas and have an impact on scholarship and society."
To be located next to the Spangler Center at HBS, Klarman Hall will be designed by Boston-based William Rawn and Associates, architects of the recently opened Tata Hall, as a vibrant space with an eye toward flexibility, adaptability, and accessibility.
“Given the wide range of events and gatherings that will take place in Klarman Hall, it’s imperative that the space be able to support, complement, and facilitate activities both big and small,” said Rawn. “We are drawing inspiration and insight from places that feature the world’s greatest thinkers, leaders, and performers and trying to bring those elements together in one place. At this point, “he continued, “we know that the new facility will almost certainly combine an outstanding core auditorium with smaller breakout spaces of appropriate quantity and quality. Given the speed of change, the structure will certainly be designed to accommodate technologies that haven’t even been imagined yet. My colleagues and I are all honored and excited to be a part of this important project.”
Klarman Hall will feature:
- State-of-the-art technology enabling connections with scholars and thought leaders around the world;
-
Stage and backstage capacity, acoustics, and equipment for spoken-word events, films, and cultural events;
-
A multipurpose foyer; and
-
Pre-function reception space.
HBS has established LEED Gold as the campus standard and currently has seven-LEED certified buildings on campus.
“Thanks to the generosity of Beth and Seth Klarman,” said John Hess (MBA 1977), chairman of the current HBS Capital Campaign, “Harvard Business School will continue to be a leader for many years to come in bringing people together to discuss and advance important and innovative ideas that will have an impact on business and society. We are deeply appreciative of their faith in the School and Dean Nohria’s leadership and will do all we can to fulfill the dream that this gift makes possible.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2022
New design guide for hybrid steel-mass timber frames released
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) has released the first-ever set of U.S. recommendations for hybrid steel frames with mass timber floors, according to a news release.
Mass Timber | Jun 2, 2022
Brooklyn is home to New York City’s first mass timber condo building
In the Brooklyn neighborhood of Park Slope, the newly completed Timber House is New York City’s first mass timber condominium building and its largest mass timber project (by height and square footage).
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2022
HKS, U. of Texas Dallas partner on brain health study
HKS and The University of Texas at Dallas’ Center for BrainHealth are conducting a six-month study to improve the way the firm’s employees work, collaborate, and innovate, both individually and as an organization, according to a news release.
Building Team | Jun 1, 2022
Pennsylvania’s Longwood Gardens to get a $250 million transformation
Longwood Gardens, a botanical garden with about 1,100 acres in Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley, recently announced plans to transform its core area of conservatory gardens.
Mass Timber | May 31, 2022
Tall mass timber buildings number 139 worldwide
An audit of tall mass timber buildings turned up 139 such structures around the world either complete, under construction, or proposed.
Hotel Facilities | May 31, 2022
Checking out: Tips for converting hotels to housing
Many building owners are considering repositioning their hotels into another property type, such as senior living communities and rental apartments. Here's advice for getting started.
Museums | May 31, 2022
University of Texas at Dallas breaks ground on new 12-acre cultural district
The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas) recently broke ground on the Crow Museum of Asian Art, the first phase of a new 12-acre cultural district on campus.
BAS and Security | May 26, 2022
Can your intelligent building outsmart hackers?
ESD's security services studio leader Coleman Wolf offers tips, advice, and lessons for protecting real estate assets from cyberattacks.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | May 26, 2022
WNBA practice facility will offer training opportunities for female athletes and youth
The Seattle Storm’s Center for Basketball Performance will feature amenities for community youth, including basketball courts, a nutrition center, and strength and conditioning training spaces.
Multifamily Housing | May 25, 2022
9 noteworthy multifamily developments to debut in 2022
A 1980s-era shopping mall turned mixed-use housing and a mid-rise multifamily tower with unusual rowhomes highlight the innovative multifamily developments to debut recently.
