Summary of the Project
Harvard Business School is one of the top business schools in the world. Klarman Hall, the School’s two-story, 81,000-square-foot venue, combines elements of a large-scale conference center, performance space, and community forum. Thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other visitors take part in hundreds of campus activities at Klarman Hall each year.
Challenge
With its 1,000-seat auditorium, soaring atrium, and spacious corridors, Klarman Hall conveys a sense of openness and welcome. Entrances along the pavilion and green to the glass-walled atrium draw a visual connection between the building’s interior and campus.
The atrium ceiling, however, presented a unique challenge—the large, complex mechanical system behind it had to be accessible, and the atrium itself needed to continue to feel open.
Solution
RPG brought the architect’s vision to life by manufacturing custom, micro-perforated wood clouds. The clouds incorporated design elements from the main hall and fulfilled the transition through the rear glass partition between the spaces, and up to the top of the glass curtain wall, which allows an expansive view of the courtyard and gardens. The customization included clean integration for speakers, monitors, lighting, air, and security, and a drop-down projector to accommodate audience overflow for large events.
Unique Features:
• Waveform Monoradial customized with micro perforations to create beautiful, flowing wood elements on the ceiling and provide sound absorption
• Step down and sloped array of panels in the main window atrium areas make the space more aesthetically pleasing
Results
RPG Acoustical Systems helped Harvard Business School create a powerful visual and philosophic statement while improving the functionality of its event venue. Klarman Hall advances the School’s tradition of welcoming event participants and instilling imagination, motivation, and skills to transform ideas into action.
Product Specs:
Waveform Monoradial
Project Team:
Designed by architect William Rawn Associates and built by Walsh Brothers Construction. The acoustical consultant was Threshold Acoustics.
Contact RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. Today
For whatever your acoustical design needs, RPG Acoustical Systems, LLC. is here to provide you with products that are customized to your needs, high-quality designs that are backed by science and extensive research, and excellent customer service to help ensure you get what you need. If you have questions, take a moment to check out our contact page or reach out to us via phone at (973) 916-1166.
