Ray and Maria Stata Center
The Ray and Maria Stata Center, also known as Building 32, is an academic complex in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), serving the Computer, Information and Intelligence Sciences, and was designed by the architect Frank Gehry.
Measuring 67,000 sq. m, the complex replaced the former Building 20 which contained the historic Radiation Laboratory.
The building design is typical of Gehry’s style, with a crinkled sculptural form that has been likened to 1920s German Expressionism. It incorporates tilting towers, multi-angled walls and whimsical shapes, in an attempt to challenge conventional laboratory and campus building design. The façade materials alternate between shiny metal and red brick, with drum-shaped yellow sections, while zig-zagging metal canopies reveal street-level entrances.
The building, which was completed and opened in 2004, has been divisive. Robert Campbell, Boston Globe architecture columnist, praised the building for being ‘a metaphor for the freedom, daring and creativity of the research that’s supposed to occur inside it’.
Howver, in 2007, MIT began a civil lawsuit against Gehry and the contractors, including Skanska, for various defects which they claimed had arisen due to ‘deficient design services and drawings’. The issues were apparently resolved and the lawsuit settled in 2010.
High-profile academics who have offices in the building include Noam Chomsky, Tim Berners-Lee and Richard Stallman.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Registered building inspectors
Building types and conflicts of interest updates explaineed.
Engineering services still struggle with labour shortages
According to latest quarterly services survey of the sector.
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.