Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Lab of the Year-winning phased renovation of a mid-century modern landmark
Goody Clancy programmed and designed the comprehensive, multi-phase renovation of this 1967 I.M. Pei-designed chemistry laboratory. The design team approached the exterior of Dreyfus as a preservation project. The new interior design, by contrast, respects the rigid discipline of this landmark structure while responding creatively to its tight dimensional constraints. The result is a dramatic transformation of the space.
The building serves as a primary research facility for organic chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry. A key challenge was bringing the building up to current standards, including infrastructure, fume hood allocation per person, ratio of support-to-lab space, safety standards, and the need for better collaborative space.
- In order to fully replace all mechanical and electrical systems, fume hoods, casework and finishes, Goody Clancy developed a three-phase approach that kept the building 2/3 occupied and operating during construction.
- The renovation of laboratory areas resulted in six-person open bays, with greater flexibility and new connections with adjacent support areas and labs. We also increased fume hood exhaust capacity by 40%, separated the desk areas from the lab benches for safety purposes, and replaced an auxiliary air system with full air conditioning.
- Glazed interior walls allow daylight to penetrate into the interior spaces.
- Renovation to the faculty offices and department headquarters resulted in more efficient space use.
- The exterior skin, while receiving some restoration improvements, remained otherwise undisturbed except for replacement of glass with insulated glazing.
