CambridgeSeven

Play isn’t just fun - it’s FUNdamental. From early childhood through young adulthood, research continues to show that play supports cognitive growth, emotional well-being, physical health, and social development.

In celebration of the UN International Day of Play, we’re reflecting on the power of play as a cornerstone of learning. At CambridgeSeven, we’ve spent more than 60 years partnering with institutions that champion this idea. As our understanding of learning has evolved, so has our approach to exhibit design, and the proof is in the smiles!

Our recent projects have put cutting-edge research into practice, demonstrating how thoughtful design can actively support educational goals.

We’re proud to announce Jahmari Yakubu as the recipient of CambridgeSeven’s 9th Annual STEAM Scholarship. A senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS), Jahmari is continuing his studies and will pursue a degree in Construction Management at Franklin Cummings Tech this Fall.

“Each year, we have the privilege of meeting students who remind us why this scholarship matters, and Jahmari is a powerful example of exactly that.” - Timothy Mansfield, President, CambridgeSeven

The new Redwood City Veterans Memorial Building and Senior Center opened last week, honoring local heroes and celebrating San Francisco 49ers history through dynamic, community-focused spaces. CambridgeSeven collaborated with ELS Architecture to design engaging exhibits that bring these stories to life.

Interactive, media-rich displays share veterans’ experiences from the Civil War to today, seamlessly integrated into public spaces for all to explore. A dedicated football gallery highlights the legacy of the 49ers and NFL Alumni of Northern California, including the team’s years at their Redwood City headquarters and Super Bowl eras. We were honored to share their stories.

Don your finest hat and grab a mint julep! In anticipation of tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby, we’re highlighting our fun and exciting exhibit design project at the International Museum of the Horse. Dedicated to exploring the broad history of the horse, the IMH is also home to 10 Kentucky Derby Trophies, 10 Preakness Trophies, and 4 Belmont Trophies. Among those are four full sets of Triple Crown Trophies: Whirlaway (1941), Citation (1948), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), and one Kentucky Oaks Trophy (1949, Wistful).

Here are five fun facts you may not know, but now you do:

Horses sleep standing up, but do lie down for deep REM sleep.

They have excellent hearing, with 10 ear muscles that swivel like little radar dishes.

A horse’s teeth take up more space in its head than its brain does.

The modern horse Equus originated in North America around 5 million years ago.

You may know about the Lascaux cave drawings, but the oldest carved representation, the Vogelherd Horse, predates it by more than 15,000 years!

Stop by the IMH next time you’re in Lexington to learn more - that’s just good horse sense!

If your spring plans include Portland, Maine this April, then check the lineup for this year’s Architalx, Portland’s preeminent design lecture series connecting people with the latest ideas shaping architecture and design. Join Timothy Mansfield, AIA on April 28, for an engaging discussion on our Portland project, the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, as an example of uniting bold architectural expression with regional identity.

As part of the Boston Society for Architecture’s Kindergarten Classroom, Principal Paul Herbert and Architect Sarah Caltabiano visited Jennifer Healy’s kindergarten class at the Haggerty School in Cambridge. After presenting to the class on different kinds of gathering spaces and what it means to be an architect, they guided the future architects in creative exploration, encouraging them to make thoughtful design choices of their own.

Yesterday, Peter Kuttner, FAIA, received the BSA Award of Honor in recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions to architecture and the profession. For over fifty years at CambridgeSeven, he has helped shape some of Boston’s most significant public spaces, from the expansion of the Boston Children’s Museum to major work at the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to creating meaningful, accessible experiences for the communities these institutions serve.

Kuttner is known for his collaborative leadership and unwavering commitment to public-serving design. He believes the best projects serve an educational purpose, engage the public, and emerge from the collaborative process he values so deeply. His approach has influenced generations of designers and left a lasting imprint on Greater Boston’s architectural landscape.

Congratulations, Peter, on receiving this well-deserved award.