Framingham State University

Science Complex Addition and Renovation

Framingham, Massachusetts

Size
57,000 gsf new
100,000 gsf renovation

Services
Feasibility Study
Programming
Lab Planning
Architecture

Certifications
LEED Silver

Awards
Honor Award for Accessible Design, Boston Society of Architects and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board

Ellenzweig collaborated with Framingham State University and the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance in completing an eight-year study/design/construction project to expand and upgrade the University’s science facilities located in Hemenway Hall, constructed in 1963, and the Hemenway Annex, added in 1974.  The multi-phased project resulted in a unified science complex that provides teaching labs, research labs, a variety of classrooms and learning venues, social and interaction spaces, offices, and meeting rooms for 14 departments, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, Geography, Nursing, Child Development, and Psychology.

lab classroom with glass hood vents

The addition houses 16 teaching laboratories serving Chemistry, Biology, and Food Science. At the time of construction, Framingham State’s 49 filtering fume hoods comprised the world’s largest installation of these hoods, which reduced the building’s carbon footprint by 68% as compared to the national average of similar buildings.

lab classroom full of students
classroom with desks and chairs

A new atrium unites the addition with the existing building; it serves as a campus-wide function space and is the social hub of the Complex.

building atrium showing all floors and staircase

Renovations to Hemenway Hall and Hemenway Annex provided new, contemporary teaching spaces such as the computer classroom, large flex classroom, and Nursing evaluation lab.

lecture classroom
classroom with tables and chairs occupied by students
nursing classroom with medical beds in far back

Before construction of the addition, the Hemenway Annex presented a massive, blank wall to the main campus quad. The new addition presents a dramatic image for Science on the campus; landscaping improvements to a previously steep, non-navigable incline afford universal access to the Complex.

This facility transforms our science and math programs and provides our students and faculty with access to the type of laboratories required for exciting scientific inquiry and research.

Javier Cevallos, Ph.D.

President, Framingham State University
green space with brick building in background
multi story building with floor to ceiling glass windows
exterior of building with floor to ceiling glass windows

A new, accessible entry to Hemenway Hall, as well as new windows and improvements to the building envelope, updated and strengthened the identity of the Science Complex.