When one of the world’s largest—and most popular—science centers wanted to incorporate the latest advances in science, technology and sustainability, it turned to Fentress Architects.
Fentress Architects’ design achieves two major goals for the Museum of Science, Boston. First and foremost, it will expand the Museum’s role as one of the world’s largest science museums and among Boston’s most popular cultural attractions. The design will achieve this by fully integrating technology into programs and exhibits, expanding outreach to the broadest possible audience, and renovating existing galleries. Secondly, it will integrate its riverfront site into the design and educational program. Notably, the museum is located in two cities—Boston and Cambridge—and draws prestige from its historic river site.
To achieve these goals, the program was divided into three major components and phases:
- the North Wing, with its focus on public exhibition spaces and visitor services;
- the River Wing, which houses special events and visitor amenities; and
- a Center for Learning, which includes a range of educational activities.
In fact, design for the Gordon Wing includes the creation of a dramatic 30,000-square-foot, two-level space. This space will features 50, 15-foot-high windows, a mezzanine and a spectacular view of the Charles River.
Sustainable by Design
The building’s innovative green strategies include:
- emphasizing energy-efficient fixtures,
- maximizing the use of recycled or recyclable materials, and
- optimizing human comfort via a state-of-the-art HVAC system, sensor-controlled ventilation, and controlled, natural daylighting for more than 75-percent of spaces.
