Diller Scofidio + Renfro transforms 1894 warehouse into MIT architecture hub
Historic Boston storage building reimagined as cutting-edge educational facility
1From warehouse to academic hub
New York-based architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro has converted the 1894 Metropolitan Storage Warehouse into MIT's new School of Architecture and Planning. While preserving the original brick facades, the team removed heavy floor systems to create high-ceiling studio spaces. The historic building once stored pianos and furs for Boston's elite families in the early 20th century, now transformed into a state-of-the-art educational facility.
2Structural innovations
The project employed steel suspension systems to enhance the load capacity of existing columns. Lightweight modern floor slabs were hung from original wooden piles and brick columns, redistributing the building's weight. Inspired by Gordon Matta-Clark's intervention techniques, architects created expansive column-free interiors. New windows were carved into two-foot-thick walls, blending historical fabric with contemporary needs.
3Exposing historical layers
The design team intentionally exposed structural cross-sections as educational artifacts. Original brick arch sections remain visible, allowing students to study the building's construction history. Distinctive features like castle-like corner towers and crenellated cornices were carefully restored. This approach integrates sustainable architecture principles with hands-on learning opportunities for future architects.
4Spatial configuration
Organized into five interconnected volumes, the building follows a 'neighborhood' concept. Double-height studio spaces are connected by a continuous public stair. While one facade features modern glass insertions, the opposite side maintains the original brickwork. This duality emphasizes the dialogue between past and present throughout the adaptive reuse project.
5Sustainability targets
The project aims for LEED Gold certification, with sustainability consultancy by Atelier Ten. Energy efficiency and material optimization significantly reduced the carbon footprint. Reused structural elements and energy-efficient lighting solutions by Tillotson Design Associates contribute to the building's environmental performance. The adaptive reuse itself prevented substantial embodied carbon emissions from new construction.
6Pedagogical vision
Architects emphasize the project's educational purpose: to demonstrate adaptive reuse possibilities firsthand. The building's exposed layers serve as a living laboratory for architecture students. Visible structural details provide direct experience with material science and conservation techniques. This hands-on approach to architectural education sets a new standard for design schools worldwide.
7Technical collaborations
The project involved Leers Weinzapfel Associates as associate architects and TYLin/Robert Silman Associates for structural engineering. Altieri designed mechanical systems while Threshold Acoustics handled acoustic solutions. Reed Hildebrand led landscape architecture, and Front Inc implemented the glazed facades. With 15 specialized disciplines collaborating, the project demonstrates the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in complex historic renovations.
8Academic impact and future projects
The new facility will house MIT's Architecture and Urban Studies departments starting fall 2023. Lessons from this project inform DS+R's ongoing work on Boston University's library. Like their V&A Museum storage conversion in London, this project establishes best practices for adapting historic structures to contemporary needs while preserving their architectural legacy for future generations.