Harvard University’s Ray Lavietes Pavilion, the second-oldest basketball arena in NCAA Division I, has received a $15.5 million, 35,556-sf restoration, renovation, and new construction initiative.
21st century amenities were woven into the existing building fabric in an effort to celebrate the intimacy and historic charm of the venue. Included in the update is a new entrance arcade and program space below the bleachers. The space below the bleachers was created by making the top portion of the bleachers fixed and the lower part retractable. This allowed for toilet rooms, storage rooms, concessions, training rooms, and mechanical rooms to be added while still providing all the space needed for two practice courts without reducing seating capacity.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.
A two-story addition on the south side of the original building houses a new entrance lobby, ticket windows, merchandise shops, concession areas, team lounges, and coaches’ offices. Home and visitor locker rooms were updated with durable and natural materials.
New climate control systems, all-LED lighting, modern A/V amenities, wayfinding strategies, and landscape improvements were also included in the renovations.
The building was originally constructed in 1926. The renovations were completed in time for the 2017/2018 season.
Photo: Richard Mandelkorn.
Related Stories
| Jan 15, 2015
Libeskind unveils 'zig zag' plan for recreational center near Vilnius ski area
Perched on the highest peak between Vilnius' historic quarter and downtown, the Vilnius Beacon will be a hub for visiting skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
| Jan 7, 2015
4 audacious projects that could transform Houston
Converting the Astrodome to an urban farm and public park is one of the proposals on the table in Houston, according to news site Houston CultureMap.
| Jan 5, 2015
Another billionaire sports club owner plans to build a football stadium in Los Angeles
Kroenke Group is the latest in a series of high-profile investors that want to bring back pro football to the City of Lights.
| Jan 5, 2015
Beyond training: How locker rooms are becoming more like living rooms
Despite having common elements—lockers for personal gear and high-quality sound systems—the real challenge when designing locker rooms is creating a space that reflects the attitude of the team, writes SRG Partnership's Aaron Pleskac.
| Jan 2, 2015
Construction put in place enjoyed healthy gains in 2014
Construction consultant FMI foresees—with some caveats—continuing growth in the office, lodging, and manufacturing sectors. But funding uncertainties raise red flags in education and healthcare.
| Dec 30, 2014
A simplified arena concept for NBA’s Warriors creates interest
The Golden State Warriors, currently the team with the best record in the National Basketball Association, looks like it could finally get a new arena.
| Dec 28, 2014
AIA course: Enhancing interior comfort while improving overall building efficacy
Providing more comfortable conditions to building occupants has become a top priority in today’s interior designs. This course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Dec 18, 2014
Top 10 sports facilities of 2014: Designboom ranks the year's best projects
The list includes some of the year's epic stadiums, such as World Cup Stadium Arena de Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, and smaller projects, like the Spordtgebouw Sports Centerin the Netherlands.
| Nov 19, 2014
Must see: Arup, Damian Rogers propose urban surf park in Melbourne
The surfing pool would offer 98-foot-wide waves that would run the length of the 500-foot-long enclave.
| Nov 18, 2014
New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction
The new interactive tool from Aon Risk Solutions provides real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S.