Bordwin_Elkus_Draper_1999

Draper Laboratory

Location

Cambridge, MA


Completed

2016


Size

23,600 SF


Owners

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.


Architect

Elkus Manfredi Architects


Photographer

© Jasper Sanidad, © Andrew Bordwin


Awards

2017 LIT Design Awards, Lighting Designer of the Year, Interior Architectural Illumination


Magnifying the quiet brilliance of many scientists and casting light into the dark shadows of a tired, old 1980s building were the primary goals of the design team.  Draper Labs is switching its focus from government contracts to the public sector for the first time in over 85 years of its history. The remarkable minds that helped Apollo 11 safely navigate to the moon in 1969 needed an environment conducive to their highest levels of performance.  The interior design needed to reflect the intelligence, creativity, and ingenuity of these scientists. Each programmed space utilizes a unique visual enhancement conducive to the programmed usage. Incorporating LED light sources exclusively, the design team was able to achieve lighting power densities 26% below the energy code. Further energy reduction is accomplished through automatic daylight dimming in all perimeter zones, and vacancy sensors in small offices and meeting rooms.


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