Auditorium Auditorium with Black Light Main Lobby Cafeteria Upper Atrium Upper Lobby

"Words/phrases that pop into mind when I think about Signer Harris Architects include: professional, patient, creative, great partners, ability to listen and understand the needs and desires of the client, artistic flair, ability to work with people who have differing viewpoints, in-depth understanding of lab and scientific facility renovations... fun to work with, a great team!"

Barb Siegel, then VP for Operations, Whitehead Institute

Photos: Joseph St. Pierre and Signer Harris Architects

Whitehead Institute - Auditorium and Commons

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

Cambridge, MA
2007
10,000 sf

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Goals

  • Renovate an aging auditorium with new finishes, technology, and lighting to reflect the scientific excellence of this research institution.
  • Upgrade finishes, furniture, and the entire image of the Main Building Lobby and entrance spaces, including conference center and classroom, to improve the image and functionality.
  • Extend renovations to individual Lobbies on upper floors, each of which is associated with a unique group of research teams.
  • Renovate existing offices into a Conference Suite with classroom and visitor offices.
  • Upgrade finishes and furniture for a fresh and more maintenance-free application in the Cafeteria Dining Room.

Challenges

  • Work with administration, facilities, and academic constituents and build consensus on image, identity, and function.
  • Phase the design and construction for minimum impact on operations.
  • Create a user-friendly auditorium, adaptable to a variety of programs by leading scientists and artists from around the world.

Design Response

In the Auditorium:

  • Developed a clean, modern, and simple palette of cool colors, natural materials, and classic furniture.
  • Incorporated a blackboard with blacklight and fluorescent chalk to allow simultaneous low light video projection and interactive blackboard usage.
  • Integrated projection equipment and lighting into a dynamic ceiling system.
  • Removed the original raised stage to address both physical and symbolic accessibility.

In the Lobbies and Conference Suite:

  • Developed a modern, spare, museum-quality image.
  • Selected modern classic furniture and lighting.
  • Sensitively incorporated the Institute's art collection.

In the Cafeteria:

  • Selected a highly durable carpet in primary blue, with select accent walls in complimentary colors.
  • Created new customized cabinetry for vending, beverage, condiment, and waste stations.

Contractor

Kirkland Construction Company

Consultants

RDK Engineers

46 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210 617.757.7300 info@signerharris.com