Science Center

Since 2014, three Science Center Physics Labs (known as the SciBoxes), ten classrooms, four lecture halls, and the Cabot Science Library have been renovated. These learning spaces have been transformed from outdated and drab spaces into comfortable, modern, and bright teaching and learning spaces.

Cabot Science Library

Overview

The Cabot Science Library re-opened on April 10, 2017, after a long substantial renovation. The new Cabot has been transformed into an open, welcoming, and vibrant space for all Harvard students, faculty, and staff. It includes several flexible learning environments, group study and teaching spaces, video conference rooms, multimedia recording studios, and a Discovery Bar. Next door to the Science Center is a café and a coffee bar.

A notable and highly visible feature of the new Cabot Library is the Discovery Bar.  Positioned near the main entrance to the Library, the Discovery Bar provides a forum for the campus community to share presentations and informal demos. A large projection screen provides the capability of sharing visuals at the main entrance to the Science Center

Space Information

Other first-floor spaces include:

  • A consultation room (aka the “Ice Cube”) where individuals or small groups can meet with librarians and other campus experts.
  • A 10-seat video conferencing room is available to connect with remote locations or can be used for in-room recordings.  
  • Three study bays can accommodate up to six individuals.
  • Several types of flexible study spaces and seating – including a Study Pod.

On the lower level of Cabot patrons will find:

  • Access Services, Collections, and staff offices.
  • Seven group study rooms that can accommodate 6-8 people.
  • Three personal video conferencing booths.
  • Five Study Pods.
  • Two Media Studios. Media Studio A has a green screen so the background of the video can be customized in post-production; Media Studio B includes an overhead camera and a large screen for presentation slides.
  • A 24-seat flexible Instruction Room. This room is dedicated to library instruction and staff development activities. The room supports creative pedagogical experiments and can provide both basic and advanced functionality, including video recording of in-room activities from three perspectives.
Science Center B10

Overview

Science Center B10 has been redesigned to include movable, lightweight furniture and writing surfaces on every wall.  

Science Center B10 can be reserved by contacting the Science Center Scheduling Office.

Room Information

  • Renovated: Summer 2015
  • Room Capacity: 50
  • Room Characteristics: Easily movable tables and chairs; multiple fixed blackboards; height-adjustable instructor station; multiple lighting zones; and acoustical ceiling panels.
  • Room Technology: Electric projection screen; high-definition projector displays with wireless and wired laptop connections; resident computer; camera for video teleconferencing (via Zoom/WebEx); multi-region DVD player, Assistive listening system; and a touch panel control system. For additional information on the technology in the room, please visit the Education Support Services page about Science Center B10.

Room Photo

Classroom with five rows of movable tables and multiple blue and green chairs. Blackboards cover two walls.
Science Center Hall A

Overview

During the summer of 2024, Lecture Hall A at the Science Center underwent significant renovations to upgrade its technology and enhance the learning environment for instructors and students. These updates included installing new seating and carpeting to boost comfort and appearance. Handrails were added to improve accessibility and safety, and the wood paneling was restored to its original charm. The lighting system received an upgrade for better illumination, and the hall now features modern audiovisual technology and improved acoustics, providing a better experience for both presenters and audiences.

Science Center lecture halls and classrooms are managed by Science Center Building Operations. Any FAS course, course section, academic or administrative event interested in reserving space can view availability and submit a request through FAS RoomBook.

Room Information

  • Renovated: Summer 2024
  • Room Capacity: 146
  • Room Characteristics: Fixed tablet armchairs; sliding blackboards; portable instructor station; multiple lighting zones; and acoustical wall treatments.
  • Room Technology: Electric projection screen; high-definition projector with wireless and wired laptop connections; room computer; wireless microphones; fixed audience microphones; Assistive Listening System; and a touch panel control system. For additional information on the technology in the room, please visit the Education Support Services page about Science Center Lecture Hall A.

Room Photos

Instructor view
View from front of Lecture Hall. There are several rows of purple seats with projection booth in back
Student view
From top row of lecture hall looking towards the blackboards and demonstration table
Science Center Hall B

Overview

In the summer of 2024, Lecture Hall B in the Science Center underwent extensive renovations to update its technology and improve the environment for instructors and students. The changes included installing ergonomic seating and new carpeting to refresh the space’s appearance and comfort. Handrails were added to improve accessibility and safety, and the wood paneling was restored to its former beauty. The lighting systems were upgraded for better illumination, and the hall now features up-to-date audiovisual technology and improved acoustics, creating a better experience for presenters and audiences alike.

Science Center lecture halls and classrooms are managed by Science Center Building Operations. Any FAS course, course section, academic or administrative event interested in reserving space can view availability and submit a request through FAS RoomBook.

Room Information

  • Renovated: Summer 2024
  • Room Capacity: 477
  • Room Characteristics: Fixed tablet armchairs; sliding blackboards; portable instructor station; multiple lighting zones; and acoustical wall treatments.
  • Room Technology: Electric projection screen; high-definition projector with wireless and wired laptop connections; room computer; confidence monitor; wireless microphones; fixed audience microphones; Assistive Listening System; and a touch panel control system. For additional information on the technology in the room, please visit the Education Support Services page about Science Center Lecture Hall B.

Room Photos

Instructor view
View from front of Lecture Hall. There are several rows of blue seats with projection booth in back
Student view
From top row of lecture hall looking towards the blackboards and demonstration table
Science Center Hall C

Overview

During summer 2018, Science Center Lecture Hall C was taken offline for a major upgrade to the HVAC system. We used this opportunity to renovate and restore some of the interior elements of the Josep Lluís Sert designed space. The scope of work included improvements to the audio system, acoustics, lighting, seating, flooring, and millwork.

Science Center lecture halls and classrooms are managed by Science Center Building Operations. Any FAS course, course section, academic or administrative event interested in reserving space can view availability and submit a request through FAS RoomBook.

Room Information

  • Renovated: Summer 2018
  • Room Capacity: 350
  • Room Characteristics: Fixed tablet armchairs; sliding blackboards; portable instructor station; multiple lighting zones; and acoustical wall treatments.
  • Room Technology: Electric projection screen; high-definition projector with wireless and wired laptop connections; room computer; wireless microphones; fixed audience microphones; Assistive Listening System; and a touch panel control system. For additional information on the technology in the room, please visit the Education Support Services page about Science Center Lecture Hall C.

Room Photos

Instructor view
Lecture Hall wit multiple rows of red/orange seats with projection booth in back
Student view
view from back of lecture hall looking towards the front of room

Curious about what the space looked like before the renovation? Experience it from a student’s perspective.

Science Center Hall D

Overview

During summer 2018, Science Center Lecture Hall D was taken offline for a major upgrade to the HVAC system. We used this opportunity to renovate and restore some of the interior elements of the Josep Lluís Sert designed space. The scope of work included improvements to the audio system, acoustics, lighting, seating, flooring, and millwork.

Science Center lecture halls and classrooms are managed by Science Center Building Operations. Any FAS course, course section, academic or administrative event interested in reserving space can view availability and submit a request through FAS RoomBook.

Room Information

  • Renovated: Summer 2018
  • Room Capacity: 250
  • Room Characteristics: Fixed tablet armchairs; sliding blackboards; portable instructor station; multiple lighting zones; and acoustical wall treatments.
  • Room Technology: Electric projection screen; high-definition projector with wireless and wired laptop connections; room computer; wireless microphones; fixed audience microphones; Assistive Listening System; and a touch panel control system. For additional information on the technology in the room, please visit the Education Support Services page about Science Center Lecture Hall D.

Room Photos

Instructor view
instructor's view of lecture hall with several rows of blue seats
Student view
view from back of lecture hall looking towards the front of room

Curious about what the space looked like before the renovation? Experience it from a student’s perspective.