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
Design Team
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.