MIT Media Lab is recognized around the world for cutting-edge discoveries in “Mediating Technologies” and innovative influence on translational digital media research. The Media Lab expansion design team conceived a building that would connect the existing technological program to the MIT campus through a semi-transparent facade and a sculpted inner plaza to create a sense of place, while transitioning to the existing courtyard designed by Providence artist, Richard Fleischner.
The East Entry Plaza, named for project benefactor Isao Okawa, is proposed as a lightly textured granite field with six ornamental cherry trees that establish a base for the MIT Health Services Building designed by Mitchell/ Giurgola Architects in 1982. A custom stainless steel grating was proposed to maintain the taut plaza field beneath the trees while the paving and lawn plane provides a setting for future sculpture.
