Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Physics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Spectroscopy Lab, Infrastructure (PDSI); Building 6C

As part of the substantive renewal and modernization of the Main Group, this impressive new structure anchors the Department of Physics and encourages new patterns of communication within the community.

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Physics atrium image

Physics, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Spectroscopy Lab, Infrastructure (PDSI); Building 6C

182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge, MA

Status: Complete

Themes: Renovation and renewal
Sustainability
Enhancement of life and learning

Completion: 2007

As part of the substantive renewal and modernization of the Main Group, this impressive new structure anchors the Department of Physics and encourages new patterns of communication within the community.

Overview

Physics atrium image
Physics atrium with art image
Physics atrium image
Physics building image
Physics building image

Status

Complete

Completion Date

2007

Themes and priorities

Renovation and renewal
Sustainability
Enhancement of life and learning

The dynamic new center unifying the Department of Physics in Building 6C is the cornerstone of a significant infrastructure upgrade of MIT's historic Bosworth Buildings 4, 6, and 8, completed in 2007. The Green Center enhances interactions among faculty, students, and staff, allowing them to share ideas and create collaborations.

This five-story contemporary glass structure was constructed inside an underutilized service courtyard. In addition to serving the Department of Physics, this project created a new paradigm for housing and distributing 21st-century infrastructure to the 100-year old, one million square foot complex. At once a technical engine and social connector, the innovative structure succeeds in establishing new pathways for people and systems without compromising the Main Group’s programmatic vitality.

The overall expansion and renovation of the Main Group has provided significant infrastructure renewal and modernization. It has also continued the Institute’s energy initiative by replacing the 90-year-old windows in the courtyard with a modern efficient window system that respects the historical significance of the Main Group.

The Green Center honors Cecil and Ida Green, who have made a leadership gift for Physics. Others who made substantial contributions to the project include Neil (E.E. '64) and Jane Pappalardo, Virgil Elings (physics Ph.D. '66), and Jim (physics S.B. '53, Ph.D. '57) and Sylvia Earl.

Image credits

Robert Benson, Kenneth Canaan, Andy Ryan

Details

Address

182 Memorial Drive (Rear), Cambridge, MA

Renewal Status

Completed

School or Unit

School of Engineering (SoE), School of Science (SoS)

Use

Academic

Project Team

ArchitectPayette Associates, Boston, MA
Construction manager: Richard White Sons, Auburndale, MA
MIT team:  John Hawes and Milan Pavlinic

Scope

49,000sf infill of Building 6 courtyard

Design Features

  • Creates center for Physics
  • Provides DMSE front door at Buildings 6 and 8 first floors
  • New Spectroscopy Laboratory
  • High bay research space
  • Provides upgrades for future renovations in Building 8 and the north half of Building 4
  • Upgrades life safety in all of Buildings 4, 6, and 8

Awards

  • The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and the American Institute of Architects Committee on Architecture for Education (AIA-CAE) named Payette the recipient of the Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions.
  • 2009 Boston Society of Architects, Higher Education Award, Award for Design Excellence
  • 2008 SCUP/AIA-CAE, Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture for Building Additions
  • 2008 Boston Society of Architects, Citation for Design

Map

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