New Spaces: Convening Power

01 Sep 2018

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Robert Benson Photography

Klarman Hall officially opens next month, a new gathering space just east of Spangler Center where the School plans to “bring together key voices from all over the world to discuss and address the critical issues facing our times.”

Klarman combines elements of a large-scale conference center, a performance space, and an intimate community forum where HBS can harness the energy and creativity of the thousands of students, faculty, alumni, and leaders who will convene there each year.

The building was made possible by a generous donation from Beth and Seth Klarman (MBA 1982). Seth is president and CEO of the Baupost Group, a Boston-based investment management firm. Beth is president of the Klarman Family Foundation. “We hope that Klarman Hall will be a world-class addition to a world-class institution,” Seth said at the April topping-off ceremony, adding that they look forward to the center serving as a hub for bringing together diverse groups for productive discussions on everything from the economy of the future to the potential of free enterprise to business ethics and corporate values.

In addition to Klarman Hall, work was completed on creating the HBS Green and Pavilion, an open, social gathering space just north of Spangler Center—in the footprint of Burden Hall—as well as Burden Park, a welcoming gateway to the School’s south campus. Both spaces will complement and extend activities from nearby Spangler and Klarman Hall and have been designed with extensive involvement from students, staff, and faculty.

FEATURES: Klarman Hall

State-of-the-art technology enabling connections with scholars and thought leaders around the world
Stage and backstage capacity, acoustics, and equipment for spoken-word events, films, and cultural events
A multipurpose foyer
Pre-function reception space
A flexible floor design to accommodate events of any size up to 1,000 guests
LEED Gold or higher sustainability features