Designed by renowned architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1955, these iconic structures were envisioned as signature set pieces anchoring MIT’s West Campus development – a precinct where student life, the arts and spiritual well-being add a humanistic dimension to MIT’s prowess in science and technology.
The primary purpose in renovating both Kresge and the Chapel was to provide increased weatherability, better energy performance, and increased safety, comfort and accessibility – while reinforcing and enhancing the historic character of each building.
Building Facts
- 50,000 GSF restoration & renewal
Sustainable Preservation
The chapel is constructed from New England water-struck brick, whose high firing temperature results in great strength and durability, but also irregularities, which Saarinen embraced.
The restored lobby interior includes concealed fire protection systems, new pin spot, restored original (now LED) lighting, and door closers buried within structure.
The cleaned marble altar and Bertoia screen gleam thanks to improvements including enhanced lighting, a rebuilt skylight, and refurbished aluminum daylight.
The two structures were designed as a signature set piece framing an oval greenspace.
The new curtain wall maintains the appearance of the original system.
The restored lobby featured discreetly installed fired protection and LED lighting in all original fixtures.
The safety and accessibility of the auditorium were improved, and all finishes restored.
To create more "energy-frugal" structures, much of our work focused on enhancing the performance of the curtain walls.
MIT has an overriding mandate to increase the sustainability quotient of all its buildings. Our charge was to find the optimal balance between historic accuracy and performance to create energy-efficient structures that also met a broader range of goals.
Awards & Honors
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Honor Award, Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
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Preservation Award
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Engineering Excellence SIlver Award
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American Architecture Award
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Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture for Rehabilitation, Restoration or Preservation
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Paul & Niki Tsongas Award, The Power of Preservation 2017 Award
