“Excellence, Integrity, Leadership” are the words etched in the Class of 1971 Courtyard near Aldrich Hall. This building stands as the heart of the Harvard Business School’s educational experience. Aldrich Hall wasn’t always here. In the 1920s plans for a dedicated classroom building were scrapped due to economic concerns. After World War II provisional facilities in Baker and Carpenter Halls were stretched to their limits due to growing enrollments.
Then, in 1949 John D. Rockefeller Jr. funded a new classroom building for HBS. He named Aldrich Hall in honor of his father-in-law Nelson W. Aldrich. Nelson Aldrich had a remarkable career. He went from being a grocery boy to a US Senator representing Rhode Island. He was a key figure in shaping international trade and monetary policies. Some even called him the “authentic voice of J.P. Morgan.” Rockefeller saw Aldrich’s rise as an example of individual initiative. He believed Harvard Business School fostered this quality through its enlightened management approach.
When Aldrich Hall opened in 1953 it was revolutionary. The architectural firm Perry, Shaw, Hepburn & Dean designed a horseshoe-shaped classroom layout. This design was specifically for case-method teaching. Tiered swivel seating curved writing surfaces and movable blackboards were all innovative features. Different kinds of lighting were installed for the best learning environment. These features fostered dynamic interactions between students and teachers during discussions. Aldrich Hall originally housed 17 classrooms. The building’s structure used unusually long I beams to allow for future reconfigurations.
In the 1980s Aldrich Hall was updated. However its basic design acoustics sight lines and lighting were still effective. No major changes were needed. In 2004, the building underwent further renovations. Extensive technology upgrades were added including three projection zones. Audio and video conferencing capabilities were installed along with an in-room camera for recording sessions. At-seat student polling and wireless network access were also included.
Aldrich Hall achieved LEED Silver certification in 2006. This recognized its commitment to sustainability. The MBA Class of 1971 played a role in Aldrich Hall’s renovation. Their fundraising efforts supported the physical upgrades and technology enhancements. In recognition the school created the Class of 1971 Courtyard. It has a wall inscribed with “Excellence, Integrity, Leadership.” Major donors like Steven B. Belkin, Michael Porter, and Joseph J. O’Donnell are recognized. Named classrooms and alcoves also honor other donors. These include Franklin R. Anderson, William C. Landreth, Joseph H. Wender, and Philip M. Young.
Aldrich Hall also has a secret. There is a unisex handicapped bathroom on the second floor near room 207. It is there for those who want to avoid restroom small talk. In 2005 Aldrich Hall underwent a complete overhaul. After 50 years of service the 100000 sq ft building needed an upgrade. The original interior finishes were basic but durable. The renovation aimed to make the building more architecturally and mechanically sophisticated. It was also necessary to upgrade all classrooms to the highest possible technology standards. The multi-phase renovation took place while the building was occupied. Sixteen 100-seat classrooms and a large auditorium that can accommodate up to 200 seats were created. All educational environments incorporate advanced multimedia systems. These systems support presentations video recording and distance learning. Every classroom in Aldrich Hall and across the campus is connected to the Central Media Head End. This houses eight flexible recording studios that can be grouped for large-scale productions.
The project also upgraded exterior glazing systems and major building systems. It incorporated the first chilled beam system on the HBS campus. Aldrich Hall continues to evolve adapting to the needs of future business leaders.