Design Review

The physical character of Harvard’s campus has evolved over more than three centuries. Each building is a product of a particular place and time, encompassing diverse expressions of architecture and design and collectively contributing to Harvard’s unique character and physical identity.

UPO oversees a design review process to ensure that major capital projects and physical plans respect Harvard’s rich development history, strengthen the physical integrity and identity of the Harvard campus, and improve the built environment. The University Design Review process provides advice to the President and Corporation, Deans and Directors on campus design issues. Each project or plan is reviewed by a panel of design professionals convened by UPO and acting in an advisory role.