While most auditoria prioritize communication from the platform out into an audience, Klarman Hall is an intimate forum designed to connect voices from all over the world to discuss critical issues. The room is equipped to function as a large-scale conference center and a performance hall, but the real magic is in how it creates connection between people.

The room was conceived to support the Harvard case method of teaching. The cases are real, complex problems; yet through the dynamic process of exchanging perspectives, countering and defending points, and building on each other’s ideas, students become adept at analyzing issues, exercising judgment, and making difficult decisions-the very skills required of leadership.

Harvard’s case method approach requires a different design from traditional lecture-style classrooms. Students need to be able to see each other and have the ability to speak to the room-from where they are seated. The sound systems allow for presentation while a separate voice lift system supports the students in the hall. The oversized multimedia screen supports concurrent media presentations empowering a variety of ideas to be expressed at once.