Let's dive into a fascinating architectural project that's recently come to fruition in Boston's Allston neighborhood. The Enterprise Research Campus (ERC), a 14-acre mixed-use district, is a hub for innovation and creativity, with a focus on science and entrepreneurship. The first phase of this ambitious project has been completed, and it's an exciting development for the city's scientific community.
The Vision and Collaboration
The ERC is a collaborative effort between two renowned international firms, Studio Gang and Henning Larsen. These firms began their partnership in 2019, co-designing a strategic framework plan that has now materialized into a vibrant campus. The result is a dynamic and interconnected space, with a unique character that reflects the city's vibrant spirit.
One Milestone West: A Transparent Façade
One Milestone West, designed by Studio Gang, is a seven-story lab and office building with a unique transparent façade. This design element is not just aesthetically pleasing; it serves a functional purpose too. The façade is carefully composed with long bands of solid zones and glazing, carefully tuned to balance thermal performance throughout the year. This attention to detail ensures the building is energy-efficient and comfortable for its occupants.
The ground floor of One Milestone West is a bustling hub, with a lobby, flexible co-working spaces, and retail areas, including a restaurant. The upper floors are dedicated to lab spaces, with planted terraces offering a welcome respite and a connection to the outdoors. The building's design minimizes bird collisions and maximizes views over the neighborhood, creating a harmonious environment for both researchers and the local community.
One Milestone East: A Cascading Form
Henning Larsen's One Milestone East is a nine-story lab and office building with a cascading form that creates sheltered socializing spaces at its edges. This design choice is inspired by the historic architecture of the nearby Harvard Business School, paying homage to the city's rich architectural heritage.
The scalloped cladding of One Milestone East plays with light and shadow, creating a dynamic and ever-changing exterior. Full-height glazing and high-performance glass maximize daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial lighting and contributing to a significant energy reduction. The L-shaped floor plan separates lab sections from office spaces, providing a functional layout that also serves as a visual and acoustic barrier from the District Energy Facility.
Connectivity and Collaboration
Daniel Baumann from Henning Larsen highlights the importance of connectivity in the design of the ERC. The cascading terraces of One Milestone East bring the character of Allstonway upward, connecting researchers to the outdoors and fostering a sense of community. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and landscaped outdoor spaces blur the boundaries between the controlled laboratory environment and the vibrant urban landscape, encouraging collaboration and a sense of openness.
Art and Interdisciplinary Thinking
The ERC is not just about functional spaces; it's also a platform for artistic expression. Both One Milestone West and East feature original artworks by artists whose practices explore the life sciences and foster interdisciplinary thinking. Works by Ai Weiwei, Mungo Thomson, and others add a layer of creativity and inspiration to the campus, enhancing the overall experience for researchers and visitors alike.
A Campus with a Vision
The first phase of the ERC is just the beginning. Alongside One Milestone, the campus includes The Atlas boutique hotel, the David Rubenstein Treehouse conference facility, and Verra apartment building, all designed by renowned architecture practices. The ERC is a vibrant, interconnected community, anchored by Allstonway, a network of public green spaces designed by SCAPE.
This project is an exciting development for Boston, showcasing the potential for innovative architecture to enhance scientific research and community engagement. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and a vision for a sustainable and inspiring future.
