Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The expansion of the Chilled Water Plant facility substantially increased the campus-wide central utility capacity of an original 1960’s two-story chiller plant. The addition houses a sophisticated 5,000-ton steam absorption chiller at the main floor level, with associated pumps and equipment at the basement level. The acoustical glass exterior wall displays the entire colorful array of utility systems—machines, piping, and maintenance cranes—creating a form of “public art” along the street.

The transparency of the design plays against a dynamic end wall treatment. A brightly colored metal wall and sculptural exit stair define the end of the utility complex and mark a pedestrian path across a railroad right-of-way, toward a developing area of the campus. The palette of aluminum, steel, glass, and concrete complements the existing utility complex and expresses the industrial character of the building. The plant’s customized curtainwall façade relates to the adjacent building’s module, while subtly distinguishing itself with projected mullion caps and larger proportions of glass.