Tour: Northeastern University ISEC, Winter 2016

If you are in Boston, you can closely follow along with the construction progress of one of our latest projects, the new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University. Just this month PAYETTE’s Young Designer Core (YDC) organized a tour to check out the construction progress since their most recent tour in October when installation of the unitized curtain panels had just begun. The unitized façade was completed in January and since then we’ve seen progress on the exterior catwalk and sunshades.

The tour started outside with Wes Schwartz and Rishi Nandi summarizing the fabrication of the custom fins manufactured by Permasteelisa in the Netherlands. Each fin is unique from the next in length and angle requiring careful labelling in the process of installation. The fins are then pieced together and supported by the catwalks.

From there the group transitioned to the roof working its way down from the Penthouse where the oversized ductwork system accommodates the low energy fan system. Their size reduces static pressure loss and fan energy. In addition, a solar wall plenum allows the sun to pre-heat the intake air during the winter reducing the heating load.

Descending further, scaffolding fills the central atrium and interior curtainwall panels enclose the form of the building. Programmatically, the offices of the complex are located along the faceted curve form requiring the doors to be placed attentively in order to coordinate with the interior curvature. Because of its curved nature, the same challenge is seen throughout the building. The teaching labs, for example, will have sliding glass doors and therefore require even more precision. However, with meticulous coordination, the glass interior will become a feature that fosters curiosity and collaboration. Structural work is complete on the iconic spiral staircase and awaits a custom glass railing that will be installed seamlessly. The project is moving along quickly as lower floors have sheetrock and drywall already in some rooms. Excitement builds while the complex comes together.