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.
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