Rafik B. Hariri Building, Boston University School of Management

Rafik B. Hariri Building, Boston University School of Management

Rafik B. Hariri Building, Boston University School of Management Keith Morgan

Rafik B. Hariri Building, Boston University School of Management

1996, Canon Associates. 595 Commonwealth Ave.

A vastly overscaled structure that ignores the urban context, this bulky, ten-story structure, cited as the eastern gateway to the campus, has the hallmarks of the institution's favored architects—red brick and concrete trim with half-round lintels. The corporate mentality is visible from the entrance lobby, where plaques are engraved with donors' names and continue to the heart of the building, the six-story atrium. Its fulcrum is Sergio Castillo's Earth Orbit, a metallic globe symbolizing the school's emphasis, reinforced by the high percentage of international students. Grouped around the atrium are “Parliamentary-style” classroom and seminar rooms. As one ascends to the upper stories designated for executive education and faculty and administrative offices, expensive woods, luxurious tile, and standard plantings set the tone for students' preparation to enter the corporate world of upper management.

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