higher-ed

MIT B3 Provost Suite Renovation

Located off the Infinite Corridor in MIT’s historic Maclaurin Buildings, Saam transformed an existing suite of smaller offices into a spacious student lounge available to the entire MIT community. The challenge of constructing and designing a fresh space while maintaining existing architectural elements was accomplished.

Maximizing the ceiling height, Saam designed a clean ceiling plane with recessed linear fixtures which leaves sightlines to the windows unobstructed. An opening in the ceiling features acoustical linear baffles with interspersed round pendants illuminating a central lounge seating area.

The furniture is specifically arranged to allow for clear paths to the expansive paned windows, providing vistas of Killian Court and the timeless elements of the surrounding buildings’ classical exterior. Study pods of varying sizes are tucked into corners to accommodate private meetings or focus work. Supporting the study pods and seating areas, adequate power, wireless coverage, and data drops were widely incorporated into the space. A variety of seating, including a banquette with cafe style tables, lounge chairs with laptop tables, and high top seating offer different zones for collaborative and individual studying. Accents of gem tones enliven a bright, neutral backdrop, blending this building’s historic context with a subtle contemporary aesthetic.

 

Photos © Christian Phillips Photography