Effective Ventures Harvard Square Renovation
Project Stats
- Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Size
14,382 SF
- Role
Prime Designer
- Market
- Expertise
Empowering research-based nonprofits
Effective Ventures, a UK-based, student-powered global nonprofit organization, sought to attract involvement from graduate and undergraduate students at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a dedicated coworking-style space in Harvard Square. Bringing together interdisciplinary researchers, nonprofit leaders, and ambitious students, the 14,382 square-foot space embodies the purpose and principles of the nonprofit, supporting the culture and activity within.
The design team was tasked with merging the footprints of three historic buildings, coordinating closely with a large project team to address the engineering and infrastructure challenges, including connecting floorplates at different heights. The program includes a large café that doubles as an event space, various meeting rooms with non-traditional furnishings, a podcast studio, a wellness and meditation room, and other supportive amenities.
Supporting creativity and collaboration
With "finding wonder and purpose" as the guiding design principle, specified furnishings and materials support the highly creative activity of the nonprofit. With a range of furniture — from acoustically isolated booths to floor-level seating to a “conversation pit” style sofa — the space encourages students and researchers to work in ways that best suit their focus and collaboration approaches. Throughout the space, the team included bold colors, natural materials, and abundant plants to encourage both calm and creativity.
Sustainably sourced
The project was designed using LEED Gold standards, then went further in sustainable design thinking by adhering to a near-vegan standard for materials and incorporating a circadian lighting system for the health of occupants keeping atypical work hours. Indoor air quality devices were installed to ensure the well-being of all who work in and visit the office.
