The Best-Kept SECret

As a freshman, I vowed to stay as far from the Science Engineering Complex as possible. Fast forward to my junior year, and I’m practically married to the place, clocking in from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I’ve become friendly with the FlyBy lady, begged security guards to help locate my perpetually lost AirPods, and even splurged on a BlueBike membership for late-night treks back. I wouldn’t be surprised if I soon find myself taking advantage of those SEC showers — such is the life of a Computer Science concentrator!

During one of my long days at the complex, an inadvertent exploration led to a discovery. Only after three long years, and countless hours in the SEC, did I stumble upon the tiny Engineering Yard tucked away in the back.

Stepping into the yard feels like entering a different world: Lush greenery envelops you in a vivid tapestry of various hues. The air is filled with the fresh scent of foliage, a gentle reminder of nature’s presence amidst the urban landscape. The soft crunch of gravel underfoot guides you along a meandering walkway, inviting you to explore the yard’s many nooks.

The tranquility of the outdoor space is palpable, with the distant hum of Allston serving as the only reminder of the world outside.

As captivating as the Engineering Yard is, the true marvel lies in the seamless integration of the natural world with the Science and Engineering Complex itself.

Certified as one of the world's healthiest and most sustainable lab buildings, the SEC has garnered accolades such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum status and the Living Building Challenge Petal certification.

The SEC’s exterior is a masterclass in sustainable design. Large windows flood the interiors with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Advanced solar shading strategies, coupled with a high-performance heat-recovery system, ensure optimal energy efficiency, and a staggering number of plants adorning its interiors and exteriors allow the SEC to not only enhance air quality but also mitigate its carbon footprint.

The Engineering Yard is located on the south side of the Science and Engineering Complex. By Aneesh C. Muppidi

As you stand in the Engineering Yard, surrounded by nature, with the SEC towering above, it's hard not to feel a sense of awe at what’s been achieved. And let’s be honest: While other nearby universities — ahem, MIT — might boast of their cutting-edge facilities, it’s rare to find one that marries innovation with nature so seamlessly.

Take the balconies, for example. These outdoor oases offer breathtaking views of Cambridge and the Engineering Yard below. Wooden benches invite you to sit and soak in the surroundings, while the scent of flowers wafts through the air.

Still, they seem to be largely undiscovered.

Similarly, the verdancy of the Engineering Yard practically screams, “Lay down! Set up a picnic! Play some spikeball!” And yet, I’ve found myself gazing at the empty area thinking: Where are the picnickers? Students sprawled out with novels? And most importantly, where's the spikeball?

Despite the SEC’s grandeur, mentions of it still seem to evoke images of endless slabs of concrete and problem sets. Why, given its architectural brilliance and natural splendor, does it remain overshadowed by the charm of Harvard’s more traditional spots?

Maybe the answer to this has everything to do with us.

Many students that come to the SEC for class quickly zoom in, attend their lecture, then rush out to begin the next phase of the academic marathon. In this frenetic pace, the serene beauty of the Engineering Yard becomes nothing more than a green blur.

It’s sad to think most of us STEM concentrators, surrounded by one of the most stunning modern architectural marvels on campus, barely take a moment to appreciate it.

The Engineering Yard as seen from the windows of the Science and Engineering Complex. By Aneesh C. Muppidi

On the other hand, humanities and social sciences students, with their penchant for poetic landscapes and reading spots, remain largely oblivious to this hidden gem. But maybe that’s for the best. Imagine if word got out. English and Social Studies concentrators, tired of trying to look effortlessly chic while sprawled on the rocky grounds of Harvard Yard or the cold stone steps of Widener Library, might just descend upon the Engineering Yard en masse.

But all jokes aside, perhaps that is exactly the appreciation the SEC deserves.

The Engineering Yard and the SEC stand as another testament to the beauty that is often overshadowed by our busy lives. So, before the chill of winter sets in and the looming dread of midterms takes over — whether you’re knee-deep in convex optimization or lost in literary analysis — take a quick break. Venture to the Engineering Yard and take in its serene beauty. Marvel at its architectural splendor. And breathe.

After all, you don’t need to be a STEM concentrator, you don’t need to squeeze a visit in between the rush of classes, and you certainly don’t need to wait three years to stumble upon it. It’s there, waiting, for everyone.

Aneesh C. Muppidi ’25 is a Computer Science and Neuroscience concentrator in Lowell House. His column, “Leafing By,” runs biweekly on Thursdays.