Allston, MA

Harvard University, The Grove, We All

Scope/Solutions

In November 2016, the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) announced an inaugural design-build competition for an installation in The Grove at the intersection of North Harvard Street and Western Avenue. With their winning We All design, GSD students Francisco Alarcon, Carla Ferrer Llorca, and Rudy Weissenberg were chosen to construct their installation in the park. The design enlivens the daytime and nighttime scene at The Grove, inviting the community to gather and enjoy the park. SGH consulted on the structural design for the project.

Along with other park improvements, We All is a vibrant wall comprised of colored PVC and transparent acrylic glass tubes displayed along an existing construction fence and illuminated at night. SGH consulted on the structural and material design for the fence display and new benches. Highlights of our work include the following:

  • Tested the PVC in our house material laboratory for its unusual use as both an exterior fence barrier and bench support
  • Developed bracing for the existing fence to account for higher wind loads due to the display covering the fence and detailed the bracing to avoid anchoring to the ground
  • Reviewed support locations for the bench legs to verify the bench can carry 100 psf live load and developed base connections

Project Summary

completion-date

2017

Completion Date
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Structures | Applied Science & Research
Markets
Culture & Entertainment
Client(s)
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Specialized Capabilities
Temporary Construction | Physical Testing

Key team members

Paul Kassabian
Paul Kassabian
Principal
Phone icon781.907.9258 Email iconpekassabian@sgh.com

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