Re: MIT - Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
You know, I've only encountered it up close, where it's exactly as engaging and exciting as its neighbors (if MIT's goal was to blur the boundary with Kendall, they've suceeded admirably). But I bet you it's a whole 'nother ballgame when seen from say four blocks away.
Re: MIT - Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
When seen from inside some of the tech square buildings the Koch really dominates the street. Not only is it wide and somewhat tall but it's pretty thick too. I'm glad they broke up the facade with that grey paneling in the front.
While I think it does blur the boundaries of Kendall to MIT I wonder how far the set back will seem once the construction fence is taken down.
There will be no ground floor retail. That's not the purpose of this academic, laboratory building. MIT is proposing to develop a nearby parcel to the west, as a commercial building (which could include retail). Neighbors living across the street from this parcel, presently a parking lot IIRC, are opposed. There is a thread on this proposed building elsewhere on this board, but I've not tried to look for it..
Re: MIT - Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Well, if they can cure cancer here, I'll forgive them. My money says the Liberty Mutual building will be nearly as bad, only in the interests of ... auto insurance.
Re: MIT - Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
Maybe. It kinda makes me want to throw all the major colleges in Boston under a bus. MIT especially since they have the space to build an elegant coherent campus. BCs expansion is too suburban but I can't fault them since they are in a pretty suburban location anyway. Harvard and Allston, well, the less said the better. The only campus expansion plan I've seen in Boston that I like is BU since they are very constrained land wise they've come up with a pretty smart plan, architecture aside.