Boston University's new Center for Computing and Data Sciences building is set to be the largest carbon-neutral building in Boston when completed. The 19-story structure will house the university's mathematics, statistics, and computer science departments.
Previously covered on Archinect back in 2018, the goal for the project, according to Toronto-based architecture firm KPMB Architects, is to create a structure that would be "an iconic fixture on campus." Besides, its stacked, podium-like volumes, which are meant to resemble stacked books, the structure will also stand as the tallest—and greenest—building on campus.
A press statement by university president Robert A. Brown expresses, "This building is a physical statement about our commitment to the field. We wanted architecture that would signal to everyone that this was a special place, the center of campus,"
The city of Boston aims to become a carbon-neutral region by 2050. However, Boston University plans on taking this goal a step further by accomplishing this goal for itself by 2040, a decade early. KPMB's building design will also be fossil fuel-free, and is designed, for example, without gas line connections.
To accomplish this, the firm explains that the center comes complete with "31 geothermal wells, each 1,500 feet deep," elements that will provide an efficient heating and cooling system for the building using ground-source heat exchange technologies. From its three-layered glass facade to the center's thermal energy system, the building is a reflection of BU's commitment to its carbon-neutral goal. The complex is projected to cost a total of $290 million and should be completed by 2022. To accomplish the project, KPMB is teaming with the national construction company Suffolk Construction.
Associate Vice President for Sustainability for the university, Dennis Carlberg, shared in a with Fast Company in early February, "What matters to me is that we do everything we can, not only to make a carbon-free, fossil fuel-free building but how we can help others do the same because we can't do this alone."
5 Comments
. . .the goal for the project, according to Toronto-based architecture firm KPMB Architects, is to create a structure that would be "an iconic fixture on campus."
A building becomes "iconic" because of an inspiration that joins site, function, design, and cultural understanding in an original and meaningful way, not because it tries to be "iconic."
This design is uninspiring.
Besides, the building looks nothing like stacked books, a bad figure for a building anyway.
I hate the word "iconic." It has been so overused and has strayed so far from its original use, from any essential iconology, that it has become meaningless. Suitable synonyms today might be "neat" and "nifty."
Also stacked, offset layers is a thin design change—change for the sake of change—that has quickly become a cliché itself.
Why not a design that figuratively highlights the building's salient and relevant aspect, being carbon neutral?
why should a building be designed to look like stacked books?
why shouldn't it? it's just a design decision and honestly, just a way to sell the design. it's sounds better than 'i like 90's OMA.'.
I find no reason to denigrate this building as it has a far less radical exterior than MIT's STATA Building and represents a decided departure from BU's 17 story concrete LAW Tower and that similarly staid 18 story concrete triple tower at 700 Commonweath Avenue: BU's Warren Towers dormitories, with both dating from the mid-1960s. BU has moved on from the generation of Cannon Designed brick and steel triumphs like the Photonics Research Center to the bold KPMB designed Center for Computing and Data Sciences. The Boston University Charles River Campus represents a vibrancy in design and building unique to urban schools and colleges made possible by their strong working relationships with Boston's Office of the Mayor, Inspectional Services and Fire Departments, the Boston Fire Marshal, local neighborhood associations and the Mass Pike Authority, among many government entities. As a BU graduate I am pleased to have been the manager on many of BU's most challenging projects during President Silber's tenure. Today, in retirement, I'm extremely satisfied to see my alma mater continuing to forge ahead at the forefront of design coupled with a firm resolve to attain carbon neutrality for the sake of our environment.
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.