ISEC at Northeastern University

The Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University is designed to advance the university’s cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approach to global challenges in the fields of sustainability, security and health.

As architect Payette describes: “It is organised as a community of faculty neighborhoods surrounding the atrium, replete with nooks and lounges for informal conversation and study. A mix of wet labs, dry labs and computational space on each floor supports interdisciplinary research teams creating the materials, products and technologies our future demands.” The building was awarded the 2018 Harleston Parker Medal, an honour from the Boston Society of Architects that recognises the most beautiful building in the city.

Brand: Permasteelisa North America, Scheldebouw

Architect: Payette

Contractor: Suffolk Construction

Owner: Northeastern University

The project

The concept

The building envelope has a cutting-edge design and shape. The exterior façade consists of grey ribbed metal panels on the eastern side and curved bronze-coated aluminium fins to the west. Shading elements are incorporated into the double-glass façade to reduce heating loads and are an integral part of the building’s overall form.