Harvard University District Energy Facility: Glowing from Within

Harvard University’s new District Energy Facility (DEF) is in full operation as a one-of-a-kind, unmanned facility that supplies power and water to nearby buildings on campus. LEERS WEINZAPFEL ASSOCIATES designed this state-of-the-art facility which makes a significant contribution to the urban design of the campus.

Francis Krahe and Associates designed the interior and exterior lighting scheme and created a lighting composition for this significant plant, a prominent feature of the skyline. The new DEF not only minimizes energy consumption but beautifully displays the inner workings of the building as well. The lighting controls are programmed to illuminate and highlight the interior workings for visual enjoyment in the evenings. In Addition, the water tank is outfitted with color changing lights to add form to function for Harvard's latest major building project.