Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex


Roll over photo thumbnails to change large image. All photographs by Andy Ryan.


Architect	Charles Correa, lead designer Goody, Clancy and Associates
Completed	2005
Scope	411,000 gsf
Design features	90-foot-high atrium auditorium and seminar rooms state-of-the-art research laboratories teaching laboratories and student lounges
Sustainable Design Elements	achieved nearly a 70 percent reduction in potable water use incorporates gray-water recycling for toilets storm water management was implemented to improve the health of the Charles River heat recovery methods incorporated into HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems variable air volume (VAV) system and right sizing of HVAC equipment to reduce energy use efficient lighting design, controls and daylight controls light pollution reduction low emitting materials including low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints, adhesives and sealants recycled content and regional materials uses high-performance exterior materials construction waste management plan for recycling and salvaging waste
Awards	LEED-Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, 2008—the first building on campus to be LEED certified.

The largest neuroscience center in the world, this interdisciplinary research and teaching facility integrates three pioneering institutions devoted to uncovering the mysteries of the brain: The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, the McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory.

The Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex was born of a collaboration between two architecture firms and reflects the extraordinary vision of the lead designer, Charles Correa, and the exceptional design of laboratories and research spaces by Goody, Clancy and Associates. A triumph of urban design and engineering, the complex sits on top of an active freight rail corridor and is built around a soaring five-story atrium. Classrooms, offices, conference rooms, wet and dry laboratories, imaging centers, libraries, tearooms, an auditorium, and a five-story atrium coexist with—and contribute to—the life of the surrounding community.

Project Team

Project Managers/MIT	Arne Abramson, Milan Pavlinic
Architects	Charles Correa, lead designer Goody, Clancy and Associates
Landscape Architects	Carol R Johnson Associates; and Martha Schwartz, Inc.
Program Planner	Strategic Science and Technology Planners
MEP Engineers	BR+A Consulting Engineers, Inc.
Structural Engineers	LeMessurier Consultants
Construction Manager	Turner Construction Co.
Construction Quality Manager	Parsons Brinkerhoff Construction Services, Inc.

Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex

Project Team

Facilities

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