Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Biology and Machine Learning Research Labs and Support

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Size
14,000 gsf (M1 Penthouse); 6400 gsf (6th floor)

Services
Programming
Lab Planning
Architecture
Construction Administration

Roles
Ellenzweig
Design Architect and Lab Planner

Ellenzweig provided programming, laboratory planning and design, architectural design, and construction administration services for the transformation of a shelled penthouse mechanical floor into office and computational research laboratories for the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. This fit-out project created a new home for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center, an initiative dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, data science, and artificial intelligence.

Sixth floor laser lab

Sixth floor flexible labs

The project faced complex challenges, including strict square footage limitations and compliance with guidelines set by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. The penthouse M1 floor space was reclaimed from mechanical areas to accommodate new program functions, while the design team responded to evolving needs. Midway through construction, the sixth floor—originally intended for generic tenants—was reprogrammed to meet the specialized requirements of identified principal investigators.

Sixth floor open wet labs

The Schmidt Center’s penthouse program includes a suite of computational research labs, a spacious open collaboration hub with a kitchenette designed for both informal exchange and formal presentations, and a range of meeting environments including a large conference room and smaller huddle spaces. The space also accommodates an executive office suite for the Broad’s Institute Director.

The collaboration hub features a 30-foot-wide, floor-to-ceiling glass presentation wall equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems. Designed to support meetings and symposia for principal investigators and fellows, the space is fully outfitted for lecture capture and technology-enabled remote seminars and meetings.

Glass corner huddle and meeting room

Large conference room with fellows office across the hall

Offices and support areas are integrated to encourage collaboration among scientists, data specialists, and principal investigators. Glazed interior walls with sliding glass doors bring light and views to the rooms that are not along the exterior wall.  Together, these program elements establish a flexible, technology-rich environment that facilitates both deep computational research and interaction across interdisciplinary teams.