Edward M. Kennedy Institute Boston Building, EMK Project, United States Senate Design

Edward M. Kennedy Institute Boston

Edward M. Kennedy Institute Massachusetts design by Rafael Viñoly Architects, USA

Apr 9, 2011

Edward M. Kennedy Institute News

Rafael Viñoly Architects Announces the Groundbreaking Ceremonies for The Edward M Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Design: Rafael Viñoly Architects

April 8, 2011 (Boston, MA) – Rafael Viñoly Architects is proud to announce the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States, situated on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston. This historic project will stand beside the existing John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, encouraging visitors to explore both buildings.

The new facility will house participatory educational programs designed to engage the public in our system of government and heighten awareness of the U.S. Senate’s role in the government. The design is targeting LEED Certification.

images : Rafael Viñoly

The facility will consist of roughly 40,000 square feet of program space, comprised mainly of classrooms, educational exhibits, and a representation of the Senate chamber. The Institute’s overall site plan has been designed to work in harmony with I.M. Pei’s neighboring John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The design includes an innovative composite cladding, which wraps the exterior of the chamber representation. The cladding is visually separated from the 1-story volume by a ribbon skylight, which runs above the ground-floor exhibition space.

The completed development will boast a large expanse of outdoor public space, guiding visitors to the entrance of the building. This public green space is bordered by two triangular volumes, which define the entry to the building and geometrically connect the Institute to the JFK Library. The exterior open space is a link between the Institute, the JFK Library and the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, while also acting as a connection to the waterfront and Boston Harbor Walk. The entrance approach is designed to incorporate components from each of the 50 states and enhance connections between the building and the entire nation.

Within the Rafael Viñoly Architects designed building, Pentagram Design has developed the initial concept for the exhibits and visitor experience. The Institute experience is intended to immerse visitors in how the Senate operates, how laws are created, and what it is like to be a Senator. Geared towards children, students, and adults alike, the Institute will provide a tremendous educational resource about the Senate and its history. It is an important addition to the cultural and political life of Massachusetts and the United States.

The Senate chamber representation is the heart of the Institute, and will facilitate innovative educational programming, such as an immersive multi-player social experience, activated by 100 interactive desks, bringing participants deep inside the legislative process. Created in collaboration with game designer Eric Zimmerman, this role-playing experience will guide groups though historically accurate events, with the visitors determining the outcome. Highly social by design, these immersive activities will enable participants to engage in negotiation, debate, caucuses and votes. The Institute will also feature a recreation of the actual office of Senator Kennedy.

EMK Institute images / information received 080411

28 Jul 2010

Edward M. Kennedy Institute Building

Rafael Viñoly Architects to design Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate

NEW YORK, NY – Rafael Viñoly Architects is proud to have been selected as the architect for the new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Situated on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston, this historic project will stand beside the existing John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, encouraging visitors to explore both buildings. The new facility will house participatory educational programs designed to engage the public in our system of government and heighten awareness of the U.S. Senate’s role in the government. The project will break ground in Fall 2010. The design is targeting LEED Certification.

images : Rafael Viñoly

Rafael Viñoly said, “We are honored to develop this important educational project that will greatly enhance public understanding of the role of the U.S. Senate. We are proud to be working with the Institute and the University of Massachusetts to make Senator Kennedy’s exciting vision a reality.”

The facility will consist of roughly 40,000 square feet of program space, comprised mainly of classrooms, educational exhibits, and a representation of the Senate Chamber. The Institute’s ground level is made with white precast concrete with punched window openings and as with the overall site plan has been designed to work in harmony with I.M. Pei’s neighboring John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The design includes a seamless cladding which houses the Chamber and is 2 stories in height. The cladding is visually separated from the 1-story volume by a ribbon skylight which will expand at the lobby, greeting visitors with a naturally illuminated reception area.

The completed development will boast a large expanse of outdoor public space at the heart of which is an expanse of grass bringing visitors to the entrance of the building. This lawn is bordered by two triangular volumes which define the entry to the building and geometrically connect the Institute to the JFK Library. The exterior open space is a link between the Institute, the JFK Library and the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, while also acting as a connection to the waterfront and HarborWalk. The entrance approach is designed to incorporate components from each of the 50 states and enhance connections between the building and the entire nation.

About Rafael Vinoly Architects
Founded in New York in 1983, Rafael Viñoly Architects also has offices in London, Los Angeles and the United Arab Emirates. Internationally known for architectural projects around the globe, the firm has designed many landmark cultural and civic complexes as well as institutional and commercial buildings, and master plans. Over the past quarter century, the practice has continually demonstrated its ability to reinvent institutional typologies and integrate the public realm into civic buildings.

The unusually diverse work the firm has completed includes award-winning educational facilities, courthouses, museums, performing arts centers, convention centers, athletic facilities, banks, hotels, laboratories, hospitals, recreational venues, residential commissions, and commercial, industrial and educational facilities. Projects range in scale from laboratory casework to urban design and master planning. The firm has also completed several projects involving the restoration and expansion of large-scale buildings of significant historical and architectural value.

Edward M. Kennedy Institute images / information received 280710

Rafael Viñoly

Location: 400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, USA