Situated on an urban brownfield site, the new Science and Engineering Precinct encompasses over 600,000 square feet of science and engineering space in two new buildings—ISEC and EXP—connected to the main campus by a new pedestrian bridge (PedX). Flow and Movement define the form language of the precinct, serving as a dynamic link connecting two Boston neighborhoods, Roxbury and the Fenway, expanding the campus and acting as a catalyst for urban revitalization in the long-neglected Roxbury area.
Northeastern University
Science & Engineering Precinct Plan
Project Statistics
LOCATION
Boston, MA / United States
COMPLETED
Master Plan, Completed 2015
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Planning, Programming, Design and Construction for two new buildings: the 600,00 GSF The 600,000 SF academic science and engineering precinct, comprised of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) and EXP Research Building
PROgram
ISEC: Wet Labs, Dry Labs, Computational Space
EXP: Research Labs, Robotics, Makerspace
Team
Robert J. Schaeffner, FAIA, LEED AP
Principal-in-Charge
Kevin Sullivan, FAIA
Design Principal
Barry Shiel, AIA
Project Manager
Wes Schwartz, AIA
Project Architect
Andrea Love, FAIA, LEED Fellow
Building Scientist
Mary Gallagher, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C
Interior Designer
campus flow
The ground plane is defined by academic and public functions, with the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) marking the completion of the first phase of the new academic precinct. EXP focuses on 350,000 GSF of additional engineering research space, with the ground level dedicated to makerspace and active learning, while high-bay robotics research space activates the Columbus Avenue façade.
activating academic and civic life
The ISEC/PedX/EXP development embraces the concentration of pedestrian movement through the site, which is the primary conduit between the main campus and the new development south of the rail tracks. PedX has become a vibrant link between the north and south campus, enabling a critical linkage of greenspace and academic facilities while creating an expanded “neural network” of science and engineering.
A restored and enhanced section of the Southwest Corridor Park is integrated with the landscape along Columbus Avenue, connecting the building with a 4.7 mile linear park that links the South End, Back Bay, Fenway, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain neighborhoods.
precinct as gateway
The 600,000 SF academic precinct, comprised of the ISEC and EXP helps establish the University as a premier research institution in Boston, while enhancing the Columbus Avenue corridor of the campus. The space serves as a portal to science, research and innovation.
