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Architecture

In Focus

Architecture

From the enduring wonders of the ancient world to the buildings where we all live and work, architecture is an extraordinary, quotidian art form.

Join Harvard experts in exploring the past, present, and future of the built environment.

Leaders by design

Meet members of the Harvard community who are bringing innovations and advancements to the world of architecture.

Blueprints for the future

The Harvard community is exploring new building practices that are greener, healthier, and more inclusive.

People working at a table
  • Cleaner

Healthy buildings and cognitive function

Thirty years of public health research has demonstrated that improved indoor environmental quality is associated with better health outcomes.

Healthy buildings and cognitive function
  • More equitable

Celebrating the design work of the African diaspora community

An art piece of the side of a house with benches in front
Celebrating the design work of the African diaspora community
  • Healthier

Hospital architecture can help patients heal

A blueprint of a hospital bed
Hospital architecture can help patients heal
  • More affordable

Designing high-quality, affordable housing

An apartment building
Designing high-quality, affordable housing
  • Greener

Sustainable solutions for a better built environment

A person at a podium next to a screen with a presentation
Sustainable solutions for a better built environment
  • More adaptable

Indigenous technologies provides a powerful toolkit for climate-resilient design

People building a large structure with natural materials
Indigenous technologies provides a powerful toolkit for climate-resilient design

Building a campus

From the brick buildings of the Yard to the modern marvels of the Allston campus, Harvard has a sweeping range of building styles that, taken together, amount to an informal history of American architecture.

Learn more about Harvard’s architectural history


A split image of widener library. One new and one old

Past meets present

In the fall of 1932, photographer William Rittase visited Harvard’s campus and captured more than 87 black-and-white photos. Nearly 90 years later, Harvard staff photographer Stephanie Mitchell recreated nine of his photos to explore what’s changed and what hasn’t.

Learn more about the photo project

Within these campus buildings are many of the Schools, centers, and institutes focused on studying the built environment and training the next generation of architects.

An ingress to the world

Harvard faculty, students, and alumni are exploring, researching, and empowering architecture around the globe.

An old temple next to a modern city

Today’s Global

This issue of Harvard Design Magazine asks: How can we collaborate in ways that transcend national boundaries? Could design foster a planetary civil society? How will design change in the face of a planetary climate crisis?

Today’s Global
  • The vibrant cosmopolitan architecture culture of

Argentina

Argentina
  • The multi-year project exploring architectural form and practice in

South Asia

South Asia
  • The global forum examining what it means to be an agent of change in

Venice

Venice
  • The historical architecture at risk in

Brazil

Brazil
  • The innovative, interdisciplinary look at the architectural history of

China

China

Conversations across time

Architects design buildings and structures not only for their moment, but for generations to come, and that longevity can create art that transports visitors through history.