Hollein grew up among the baroque structures and medieval cathedrals of Vienna and says that as a young boy, he was "always concerned with art, especially fine arts."

But he described himself as a contemporary architect, and said one of his challenges will be to incorporate his favorite abstract shapes into Harvard's buildings, many of which rely on a conservative Georgian design.

Hollein said creating a possible addition to the mosaic of Cambridge real estate will be a delicate project, in spite of his experience.

"The question is how to integrate the building into an area of tension," he said.

"I am honored to work on these important historical grounds," Hollein said.

"Most of my projects are connected with a very specific task and a very specific situation," he said.

Hollein's courage in approaching unique situations is a corollary of his premise that "everything is architecture."