In Spring 2018, Harvard University will be opening the new Smith Campus Center, a new center of University life designed to bring the Harvard and surrounding communities together in new ways.
Contexture is currently helping shed light on this new center by providing both design support and installation. Named after its donors, Richard A. and Susan F. Smith, the center will “serve as a welcoming and vibrant entrance to the University for visitors and the Cambridge community,” according to the Harvard website, featuring both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, study areas, food options, and a variety of exhibition areas for events and performances.
Contexture originally became involved through the London-based architect, Hopkins Architects, who also partnered with local firm, Bruner/Cott, to provide support budgeting the skylight shades, a very complex Levolux shade system. By becoming involved in the early conceptual stages, and providing early budgets to help design the system, the Contexture team was selected to partner with GC Consigli Construction on the project. Contexture became a very active participant in design meetings with Hopkins, Bruner/Cott, GC Consigli Construction, and Harvard University, assisting with identifying costs and providing design support. The Levolux shade system is a high-end system from the UK, chosen to help control light and glare, since the ceilings in the main building are all glass.
In addition to the Levolux shade system, Contexture also installed standard MechoShades and supplied Division 10 items such as toilet partitions, bathroom accessories, lockers and wall protection. “We’re very proud of our work on this high-profile project with Harvard University and Consigli Construction,” said Jon Harrington, Contexture’s Vice President of Sales. He added, “This allows our range of capabilities and expertise to stand apart from the competition, as our team has clearly demonstrated the ability to not only provide design support, but also to handle this complex installation. The team did a fantastic job.”