New Boston University Building to Raise Collaboration, Research to New Heights
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University is planning a new space on its campus that will elevate interdisciplinary collaboration. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the 70,000-square-foot mass timber structure will serve as a center for research and strategy development while promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
When completed, this structure will be the tallest timber building in Massachusetts, rising 12 stories to 186 feet.
“We are thrilled to be part of Boston University’s effort to make urban environments healthier, more vibrant places to live,” said Sean Gallagher, project leader and director of sustainable design for Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in a write-up of the project on the website Design Boom. “The Pardee School of Global Studies marks a significant step toward densifying urban centers in a carbon-neutral way.”
Several highlights of the new building’s design include the following:
- The building is designed to be all-electric and fossil fuel-free, reflecting the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency.
- With its mass timber structural frame instead of traditional steel and concrete, the building will reduce embodied carbon by 87% compared to traditional construction materials.
- The structure will feature triple-glazed windows and integrated solar screening to maximize natural light while minimizing solar heat gain.
- More than 85% of the building’s spaces will not require perimeter heating or cooling. The roof will be outfitted with a solar-ready infrastructure.
The vertically stacked design of the structure means that the building will occupy only 10% of the site, formerly a parking lot at 250 Bay State Road. Diller Scofidio + Renfro note that the interior spaces within the structure will serve multiple uses, including event and conference rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and social areas.
The firm further emphasized the double-height “living rooms” that will foster community engagement and collaboration along with a “‘social stair,’ creating a visual and physical network of activity that will be showcased through the building’s facade.”
According to Boston University’s website, the project will break ground in spring 2026.
