David Rubenstein Treehouse Conference Center | Harvard University
Harvard University recently completed the development of the David Rubenstein Treehouse Conference Center, a distinctive, multi-level meeting and collaboration facility designed to support academic engagement while harmonizing with its surrounding natural environment. The building’s elevated geometry, extensive use of glazing, and strong connection between interior spaces, exterior walkways, and adjacent landscape features created a highly transparent and welcoming environment, while also introducing unique physical security considerations. To support its commitment to providing a safe, secure, and accessible environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors, Harvard University retained SRMC to deliver a comprehensive physical security design aligned with the University’s security standards, operational practices, and public safety objectives.
Our Approach
SRMC approached the project with a holistic, design integrated methodology that balanced security effectiveness with architectural intent and user experience. The engagement began with a security risk and needs assessment that evaluated site conditions, architectural plans, circulation patterns, and anticipated operational use to identify potential threats, vulnerabilities, and appropriate protection levels across public, semi-public, and controlled spaces. Particular attention was given to the building’s elevated structure, increased transparency, and the dynamic relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.
Building on this assessment, SRMC developed a layered access control strategy that supported secure yet frictionless movement throughout the facility. The design leveraged card access and visitor management principles and was fully integrated with Harvard’s existing identity management and credentialing systems to maintain consistency with campus-wide standards. A comprehensive video surveillance system was also designed, providing strategic, privacy conscious coverage of approach pathways, exterior walkways, public-facing areas, interior common spaces, and critical infrastructure zones in accordance with University policy.
SRMC further designed intrusion detection measures tailored to the building’s unique architectural characteristics, including extensive glazing and elevated circulation elements. Emergency communications and mass notification systems were integrated to support rapid incident response, occupant awareness, and direct coordination with the Harvard University Police Department. In parallel, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles were applied to exterior paths, lighting, landscaping, and gathering areas to enhance natural surveillance, reinforce territoriality, and improve overall user confidence.
Throughout the design process, SRMC coordinated closely with architectural, IT, electrical, life safety, and audiovisual consultants to ensure system interoperability, appropriate infrastructure routing, and long-term scalability. SRMC also provided construction phase support, including security device layouts, technical specifications, contractor coordination, submittal reviews, and commissioning assistance to confirm that the final installation aligned with the approved design intent and performance requirements.
Results
The completed project delivered a modern, resilient, and user-friendly security environment that supports academic collaboration while discreetly protecting the David Rubenstein Treehouse Conference Center and its occupants. The integrated security design enhances situational awareness, supports effective emergency response, and aligns seamlessly with Harvard’s broader campus security program, all without detracting from the facility’s architectural expression or openness.
Conclusion
The successful completion of the David Rubenstein Treehouse Conference Center demonstrates Harvard University’s commitment to thoughtful, forward looking campus security planning. Through close collaboration and a balanced focus on people, process, and technology, SRMC delivered a security solution that preserves the open and collaborative nature of the space while providing a high level of protection. This project reflects SRMC’s expertise in designing security solutions for complex academic environments where architectural innovation, landscape integration, and operational security must function as a cohesive whole.
