'Hark' To Receive Makeover

Fifty years ago, architects and campus pundits used phrases like “dream come true” and “consistently good in design” to celebrate concrete, factory-like Harkness Commons, an opus of world-renowned modern architect Walter Gropius.

Now, the students, faculty and staff at Harvard Law School (HLS) who use the building employ words like “dreary,” “old” and “crazy” to describe the aging student center.

But even though HLS Dean Elena Kagan promised to spruce up Harkness Commons, restrictions on the landmark piece of architecture will likely make it difficult for construction crews to make major changes the so-called Hark, which currently houses the HLS cafeteria and functions as the primary social space at the law school.

“It’s dreary and it’s old,” Vice Dean for Physical Planning and HLS Professor Daniel Meltzer said. “We need to design something that better serves students needs.”

Renovations may start as early as this summer, but no official decision has been made.

“The plans for possible renovation are still in their preliminary stages and we are determining whether it is feasible to undertake a renovation,” Meltzer said.

The renovation plan is in its preliminary stage, but the Physical Planning Committee (PPC) would like to see better lighting, new and more comfortable furniture, and improved wall furnishings in The Hark.

Substantial physical renovation, however, is difficult given the building’s historic significance.

HLS student Molly M. Dunham, a member of PPC, said that altering the interior is difficult because there is a ramp designed by Gropius in the center of The Hark.

“And we can’t do anything to the outside of the building,” she added.

To address this problem, members of PPC have begun discussions with representatives of the Cambridge Historical Commission to determine what, if any, renovations are possible.

Currently, neon signs, antique wooden tables and a television decorate the cramped social space.

“The renovations will be primarily aesthetic,” said Dunham.

“They should add a functional bar. And restaurants. And an arcade,” quipped Michael Horwitz, another HLS third-year.

The space also suffers from a space crunch.

“There’s not enough space,” said HLS third-year Jennifer Tracy, as she worked on her laptop in a corner of the first floor seating area.

Both Horwitz and Tracy sat in the fairly empty room, in the company of an unused foosball table, an abandoned billiards table, three other students and outdated decor.

Dunham hypothesized that renovations would inspire students to use the downstairs facilities with the same frequency as they use the upstairs dining area.

While the downstairs area is sometimes barren, the dining area upstairs is usually filled beyond capacity.

“Crowded is not the word,” laughed a Hark restaurant cashier Quala Baker as she refilled the soda shelf during a late afternoon lull. “It’s been crazy here.”

General consensus is that something must be done about problems with The Hark, and PPC has given students many chances to voice their opinions.

“We have made an enormous amount of effort to get student input,” said Meltzer. “It is a student center and we want to design something that meets the needs of the students.”

Many students have shared their comments with the committee via e-mail and a focus group to which PPC has invited students.

The PPC will hold another focus group this afternoon where students can share their concerns with the architects who have taken on the project.