Emerald Extension: Embedding Nature and Sustainability with an Urban Academic Medical Center

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center recently completed a new inpatient building in the heart of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. Located along Boston’s famed Emerald Necklace, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the Klarman Building responds to the presence of this green space to create a state-of-the-art center for inpatient care and healing. In addition to extending aspects of nature into the building, the massing and exterior envelope were designed to maximize patient views while also being environmentally responsive.

The building façade is comprised of “tuned serrations” – angled projections which are oriented to achieve the most optimal solar radiation exposure to reduce peak energy demands on the building. The serrated façade allows the inpatient room window size to be maximized for daylight and views while decreasing the overall energy demand of the building. The Klarman Building was designed to bring elements of nature to patients, visitors and staff – from views to the adjacent green space, a rooftop healing garden and by implementing a material and art palette inspired by the urban green spaces of Boston’s neighborhoods. The resulting building synergistically fuses its healthcare planning with high performance features to create an innovative space for healing.