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
Building Team | May 9, 2022
Cincinnati’s Andrew J Brady Music Center transforms the city’s riverfront
In Cincinnati, Ohio, the Andrew J Brady Music Center aims to connect audiences with live music while transforming Cincinnati’s riverfront.
Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2022
Choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces
This AIA course by Hoffmann Architects offers best practices for choosing the right paver system for rooftop amenity spaces in multifamily buildings.
Market Data | May 6, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending down 1% in March
National nonresidential construction spending was down 0.8% in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Building Team | May 6, 2022
Atlanta’s largest adaptive reuse project features cross laminated timber
Global real estate investment and management firm Jamestown recently started construction on more than 700,000 sf of new live, work, and shop space at Ponce City Market.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | May 5, 2022
Designing with architectural insulated metal wall panels
Insulated metal wall panels (IMPs) offer a sleek, modern, and lightweight envelope system that is highly customizable. This continuing education course explores the characteristics of insulated metal wall panels, including how they can offer a six-in-one design solution. Discussions also include design options, installation processes, code compliance, sustainability, and available warranties.
Higher Education | May 5, 2022
To keep pace with demand, higher ed will have to add 45,000 beds by year-end
The higher education residential sector will have to add 45,000 beds by the end of 2022 to keep pace with demand, according to a report by Humphreys & Partners Architects.
Multifamily Housing | May 5, 2022
An Austin firm touts design and communal spaces in its student housing projects
Rhode Partners has multiple towers in various development stages.
Legislation | May 4, 2022
Washington is first state to mandate all-electric heat for new large buildings
Washington recently became the first state to require all electric heat for new buildings.
Building Team | May 4, 2022
Mancini Acquires Gertler & Wente Architects, Expanding the Firm's Opportunities in New Market Sectors
National design firm Mancini Duffy - with a 100+-year-old history and tech-forward approach based in New York City - announces the acquisition of Gertler & Wente Architects to further expand its footprint in the healthcare, multi-family residential, restoration, institutional, and religious sectors.
Contractors | May 4, 2022
CFC Construction names Pat Smith president
CFC Construction is proud to announce that Pat Smith has been promoted to President of the Colorado-based general contractor.