Boston University’s Mass Timber Pardee School: A Sustainable Architectural Marvel

Boston University is taking a bold step toward sustainability with the unveiling of its new mass timber Pardee School building, designed by the renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R). This innovative 70,000-square-foot facility will serve as a global hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering research and strategy development focused on sustainable economic, social, and environmental futures. Located on a former parking lot at the heart of BU’s campus, the new building will not only optimize urban density but also enhance green space.

Sustainable Urban Development at Boston University

Sean A. Gallagher, Project Leader and Director of Sustainable Design at DS+R, highlights the importance of the project in redefining urban architecture. “We are proud to contribute to Boston University’s mission to create healthier, more vibrant urban spaces,” Gallagher states. “The mass timber Pardee School is a milestone in sustainable urban densification, setting an example for carbon-neutral development.”

A Future-Ready, Efficient Tower by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

BU’s new mass timber Pardee School will showcase innovative land-use efficiency, minimizing its footprint to just 10% of the available site. This compact design allows for the creation of a central green space, benefiting students, faculty, and the wider university community. Inside, the building will feature a mix of event and conference rooms, classrooms, faculty offices, and communal spaces designed to encourage interaction and collaboration.

One of the most striking design elements is the inclusion of double-height “living rooms,” which serve as informal gathering areas, fostering a dynamic academic environment. These spaces are connected by a “social stair,” creating an interconnected vertical network that is visible from the building’s striking facade.

A Carbon-Neutral Model for the Future

The mass timber Pardee School is a testament to Boston University’s dedication to sustainable building practices. The all-electric, fossil fuel-free structure prioritizes environmental responsibility through:

• A mass timber structural frame, reducing embodied carbon emissions by 87% compared to conventional steel and concrete structures.

• Triple-glazed windows with integrated solar screening, maximizing natural light while minimizing heat gain.

• An energy-efficient building envelope that eliminates the need for perimeter heating or cooling in 85% of interior spaces.

• Solar-ready roofing infrastructure, aligning with Boston University’s commitment to renewable energy.

  
  

  

  
  

Project Details: Mass Timber Pardee School at Boston University

• Project Name: Frederick S. Pardee School for Global Studies

• Architect: Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) | @diller_scofidio_renfro

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts

• Client: Boston University | @bostonu

• Size: 70,000 gross square feet (6,500 square meters)

• Estimated Completion: 2027

• Visualization: Courtesy of DS+R

  
  

Project Team and Collaborators

• Lead Architects: Benjamin Gilmartin, Elizabeth Diller, Charles Renfro, Ricardo Scofidio

• Project Leader: Sean Gallagher

• Key Team Members: Eduardo Ponce, Shiwoo Yu, Anna Goga

• Structural Engineer: Le Messurier

• MEP, IT, Life Safety, Code Consultant: Consentini Associates

• Landscape Architect: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates

• Sustainability Consultant: Thornton Tomasetti

• Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering

• Lighting Design: Tillotson Design Associates

• Acoustics & AV: Threshold Acoustics

• Signage Design: Studio Blue

• Vertical Transportation: Syska Hennessy Group

• Cost Estimating: Dharam Consulting

Conclusion

Boston University’s mass timber Pardee School will stand as a pioneering example of sustainable architecture, redefining how academic institutions approach urban development. With its energy-efficient, carbon-neutral design, this landmark project by DS+R will contribute significantly to the future of eco-conscious construction and interdisciplinary research spaces.