Architecture & Design | October 20, 2015

Josep Lluís Sert's International Style icon is updated

Josep Lluís Sert’s International Style icon gets a half-century exterior toning and face lift.

From The November-December 2015 Issue

Photograph of Smith Campus Center exterior renovation — Photograph by Stu Rosner

As planning proceeds for the conversion of the former Holyoke Center into the Smith Campus Center, Josep Lluís Sert’s International Style icon, built from 1962 to 1967, gets its half-century exterior toning and face lift—a formidable challenge in the tight confines of Harvard Square. Stage One is the staging itself: here, the Dunster Street scaffolding in the first week of autumn.

Published in the November-December 2015 print issue under the headline “Under Wraps,” in the John Harvard's Journal section.

You might also like

J. Max Bond wearing a grey suit and a red tie, holding drafting tools with an image of a building design behind him

How J. Max Bond Jr. Honored Black History Through Architecture

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

Several people are holding a large ribbon for a ceremony outside a modern building.

Harvard and City Leaders Celebrate ERC Opening

Phase A of the Allston project includes a hotel, residences, and a two-acre greenway.

Aerial view of modern high-rise buildings surrounded by greenery and city skyline.

Which Harvard Architecture Stands the Test of Time?

In a sea of red brick, the Science Center and Peabody Terrace make their mark.

Most popular

Historic brick building with a tall, ornate tower against a clear blue sky.

As Union Protests Continue, Stephen Colbert and Yo-Yo Ma Event at Harvard Cut Short

A conversation between the comedian and the celebrated cellist was interrupted by a fire alarm in Sanders Theatre.

Crowd of picketers holding signs advocating for fair pay on a sunny day.

Cancellations, Disruptions as Harvard Graduate Student Strike Enters Second Week

Some faculty complain about the protests’ effect on students.

Illustrated portraits of Michael Mina, Doug Melton, and Stuart Schreiber, surrounded by scientific symbols and annotations related to their fields, including molecular biology, stem cells, and biomarker validation.

Harvard Professors Leaving for Private Sector Research

Three distinguished scientists on leaving academia to advance biomedical research

Explore More From Current Issue

A girl in blue boots stands on a cliff, holding a leash attached to a glowing, digital dog.

AI

Establishing legal responsibility for autonomous agents

Colorful icons representing sleep, fruit, speech, and a mind with a water lily.

Take this quiz on six healthy habits that Harvard doctors recommend

Collage of book covers featuring various titles on a vibrant orange background.

Arts & Culture

These newly released novels, histories, and memoirs grapple with identity in all its forms.