Lobby for the Natural Sciences
This public lobby serves as the entry to two laboratory
buildings, which are part of a science research campus. The lobby connects to a
linear greenway stitching all the buildings of the campus together while
forming an outdoor public park space. Within the lobby interior, there are
several programs: two cafes, a conference room, a lecture hall, a restaurant, a
nursery school, and reception services.
Our scheme is comprised of a series of follies—inspired by the 18th century garden follies—made of raw earth construction. They are curvilinear elements that form benches, reception desks, a café counter and a lunch kiosk within the lobby space. Their earth construction ties the natural environment of the greenway into the interior and brings the raw materials of the science labs down into the public space of the building. The lobby itself is constructed of raw materials-- crushed stone, boiled wool, woven wood, and galvanized steel—to create a sensorial connection between the material of study and the human experience of the space.
Our scheme is comprised of a series of follies—inspired by the 18th century garden follies—made of raw earth construction. They are curvilinear elements that form benches, reception desks, a café counter and a lunch kiosk within the lobby space. Their earth construction ties the natural environment of the greenway into the interior and brings the raw materials of the science labs down into the public space of the building. The lobby itself is constructed of raw materials-- crushed stone, boiled wool, woven wood, and galvanized steel—to create a sensorial connection between the material of study and the human experience of the space.
Location: Boston, MA
Status: In Progress
Scale: 25000 sq. ft.