Brain and Cognitive Sciences Complex
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| 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 |
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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.
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.
In keeping with MIT's philosophy of sustainable building, architects and engineers have created a system that minimizes energy and water consumption and uses operational strategies that foster a healthy indoor environment. Designed to achieve a Silver LEED rating-a measure of environmental responsibility administered by the U.S. Green Building Council-the complex uses high-performance exterior materials and incorporates gray-water recycling for toilets, heat recovery on the exhaust air stream, and interior finishes that impose a minimal impact on indoor air quality.
Project Team
| Project Managers/MIT | Arne Abramson, Milan Pavlinic |
| Architects | 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. |
| 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. |
