STIMSON designed this revitalized courtyard space to create an intimate connection between nature and the newly renovated Hayden Library. A woodland garden in the center of the courtyard features nine new Katsura trees. The trees, along with additional plantings, create a new green topography bordered by paved walkways and seating areas. The renovated courtyard has two accessible entrances and a new, three-season porch extending along the east end of the courtyard. The porch’s accordion doors open onto the courtyard in warm weather, and a perforated sun screen creates a dappled sunlight effect, extending the atmosphere of the tree canopy into the new space. The porch and courtyard provide flexible and accessible spaces for the MIT community to gather and collaborate, thus extending the library’s function beyond the walls of the building.
Collaborators
KVA