“I think it’s a good example of, when you have the resources, what good planning you can do,” board member William Tibbs said.

University officials gave an informational presentation on LISE to the planning board over the summer. There have been several opportunities for public input, including two community meetings earlier in the fall and two presentations to the Agassiz Neighborhood Council.

Last night’s meeting included time for public comment, but no members of the community signed up to speak.

The audience consisted mostly of Harvard officials and the architects who are designing the project.

In their presentation to the planning board, the architects brought posters, a three-dimensional model and a sample of the glass that will be used on the side of the building.

Architect Rafael Moneo said the pedestrian walkway would create a “gate-like building” that would invite people into the courtyard.

Marcus spoke about the scientific benefits of the building, which he said would allow Harvard to pursue research that crosses traditional boundaries between scientific disciplines.

“In this cornerstone of the campus there should be a place where all these disciplines can come together and work,” Marcus said.

The LISE project will require the approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals, which may come up in November or December, officials said last night.

Power said she thought the response of the planning board was positive.

“I think they gave us reason to be optimistic” about receiving the permit at the next meeting, she said.

—Staff writer Jessica R. Rubin-Wills can be reached at rubinwil@fas.harvard.edu.