A copper-clad cylinder gleaming under the Boston sky. That’s the Class of 1959 Chapel. It’s not your typical house of worship. This isn’t some gothic cathedral or ornate basilica. This is something different. Something unique.
The Class of 1959 Chapel at Harvard Business School stands as a testament to thoughtful design and generous philanthropy. Completed in 1992 it’s a modern marvel. Designed by the renowned Moshe Safdie it cost approximately $2.5 million. Alumni from the Class of 1959 funded this architectural gem. They envisioned a place for quiet reflection a sanctuary for the Harvard Business School community.
The structure itself is a striking sight. A concrete cylinder sheathed in patinaed bronze. Next to it a glass pyramid houses a serene indoor garden. A koi pond bubbles gently below. Stepping stones lead you through this verdant oasis to the chapel’s entrance. The interior is surprisingly simple. Rows of wooden chairs face a spare concrete altar. Natural light streams in through thin windows. Prisms refract the light creating ethereal rainbows across the austere concrete walls. The acoustics are exceptional. Even whispers seem to echo.
But the Class of 1959 Chapel is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a symbol of sustainability. In 2011 it achieved LEED Gold certification. This reflects significant improvements in energy and water efficiency. A 49% reduction in energy use was achieved. The lighting system upgrade alone reduced electric consumption by 74%. The building control system was completely overhauled. It went from an outdated pneumatic system to a modern direct digital control system. This precisely modulates the building’s mechanical systems. It dynamically adjusts to the chapel’s occupancy.
Outside a unique clock tower stands tall. Designed by Karl Schlamminger it features a large bronze ball ascending and descending a steel pole. Lines etched into the tower mark the passing hours. It’s both functional and artistic a fitting complement to Safdie’s masterpiece. The Class of 1959 Chapel is a space for contemplation a place of peace. It is a symbol of generosity a testament to sustainable architecture and a unique addition to the Boston landscape. It’s more than a building. It’s a legacy.