The Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard unites researchers at the forefront of eradicating infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS and SARS/COVID. The new 323,000 GSF home occupies a free-standing triangular site on Main Street in Cambridge, MA between Kendall Square, MIT and The Port neighborhood. The design approach embraces this unusual location as a singular object addressing three distinct urban contexts.

A dynamic form floats above a continuous band of landscape. Façades flow seamlessly, gently sloping down three stories from the primary face, around an elevated garden, then to frame a new district gateway.

The soft triangular form holds an intimate, light-filled, organically shaped atrium at its heart. Gathering researchers in close-knit community, visual transparencies drive light deep into labs, offices and collaboration spaces. Dramatic views open north toward Main Street and the elevated Courtyard Garden; a pocket park to the South balances the light. A ground floor conference center and second floor café link a series of informal gathering spaces that support the interpersonal connections and mentoring intrinsic to the Institute’s culture. A childcare center ensures that working parents maintain productive and engaged careers.

Design: Payette
Construction Manager: Consigli
Engineer: Arup
Photography: Robert Benson, Warren Jagger