The jury identifies the most beautiful building or structure built in the great Boston area during the last decade. It evaluated approximately 170 nominations from BSA members and partners for the award, which was established in 1921 by Boston architect J. Harleston Parker.
In its report to the BSA, the jury said it was: “Particularly impressed by the quality of life that the project fostered and the care given to the well-being of all those who work in and visit the facility.”
The twelve-story, 350,000-square-foot building is located in the Kendall Square neighborhood of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was designed by the Stuttgart, Germany and Los Angeles based architecture firm Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner, in collaboration with Boston-based Next Phase Studios Architects.
The building design features common spaces, garden areas, and in the top-floor cafeteria sweeping views of the Boston cityscape. There are various terraces, corners and walkways that are furnished and the amount of common space per employee is significantly greater than in a typical U.S. office building, according to Genzyme.
Employees enjoy abundant natural light, windows that open and the ability to control workspace temperature and light levels. Most have direct views to the outdoors from their offices or workspaces. The work spaces are furnished with ergonomically adjustable furniture made from natural and sustainable materials. Eighteen gardens located throughout the building help bring the outdoors in.
In its report, the Harleston Parker jury said: “As a self-described ‘symbol of progress’, Genzyme Center has, in fact, already served as a kind of ‘demonstration project’, pointing the way to a future where collaboration and clear goals can yield results that work at the many different levels necessary to create a successful 21st century workplace.”
