On Wednesday, October 23, George Marsh, Michael Hinchcliffe and I attended the groundbreaking for the new Dana Farber Molecular Cancer Imaging Facility over at Drydock in South Boston. The first of its kind in Massachusetts, this project includes a cyclotron built specifically for oncology clinical research. A small piece within the growing innovation district, the new Molecular Cancer Imaging Facility with its elegant design and cutting-edge equipment will provide scientists the resources to test the mutation of various genes and one-day develop cancer-curing treatments with minimal side-effects to patients. It was an event shared by members from Payette, Suffolk Construction and the leadership teams from both Dana Farber and Massachusetts Life Sciences.
Northeastern EXP features an organic pinwheel design, shaping research and classroom neighborhoods with shared community spaces radiating from the core to define each area. The building façade was tuned to achieve a 78% reduction in peak solar heat gain and a 62% reduction in cumulative solar radiation leading to energy use reductions and reduced mechanical system sizing. The use of stainless steel further leads to an embodied carbon reduction of almost one million tons when compared to aluminum while the natural stainless surface reflects light in a natural and warm tone giving the building an inherent energy.
#earthweek #designalways #buildingscience #performalism