Perched along the Charles River, the original Genzyme Allston Landing building is a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with a red brick façade. The glass curtain wall of this LEED Silver addition is a strong contrast to the older facility, yet it still maintains subtle hints of the previous design.

Floor-to-ceiling glass with exterior sun shades and interior automated sun control louvers brings the staff closer to the outdoors, while also helping to mitigate heat gain and glare. With the introduction of daylight into the building, the lighting design offers a bright, pleasant work environment. The lighting energy usage is far below code, due to an advanced lighting control system and progressive design strategies.

Predominantly T8 fluorescent systems provide ambient illumination, while task lighting was used throughout the building to boost local light levels in workstations, and to allow users to adjust their own work environment.

The internal lighting systems also provide the lighting effect for the building at night. No façade lighting was used, but instead some key lighting elements remain lighted for a few extra hours at night, giving passers-by a glimpse into the inner workings of the space.