Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Part of a major utilities infrastructure modernization initiative at MIT, the Albany Street Cogeneration Plant uses the most advanced technology for producing combined heating, cooling, and power delivery for the 205 buildings on the 168 acre urban campus. The new dual 20-megawatt combustion turbine generators coupled with heat recovery steam generators contribute to MIT’s campus goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and improving campus resiliency.

The design for the standalone building translates its engineering purpose into an architectural expression that celebrates its function and enhances its urban campus setting. All critical utility systems are elevated above the 500-year flood plain, while offices, meeting, and outreach spaces are on the ground level below. The façade’s sculptural metal panels form cowls engineered to provide air for ventilation and turbine combustion; red-colored accents highlight the areas where the fresh air enters and exits. Landscaped outdoor spaces integrate the building with both the adjacent campus and the urban streetscape.