Cambridge, MA – ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge and The Forsyth Institute announced today that the recent 65,000 square-foot renovation of the institute’s new headquarters and research facilities in Cambridge, Massachusetts has received LEED Silver Certification.
The Forsyth Institute, an independent oral health research organization dedicated to advancing human health and well being through scientific discovery and education, relocated its corporate headquarters to 245 First Street in Kendall Square in Cambridge in the fall of 2010, marking the Institute’s first move since its founding in 1910 in the Back Bay/Fenway area. Forsyth sold its former building at 140 The Fenway in Boston to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in 2007, remaining there as a tenant while completing its search for optimal physical facilities.
Forsyth began the green building process by selecting a new location close to multiple means of public transportation and community services. The design team, led by ARC, developed sustainable goals to reuse existing materials, walls, and mechanical systems within the renovated spaces and continued the process by integrating key green building features into the project. The building process included recycling more than 80% of construction waste materials. For new building materials, the design team incorporated “Energy Star” equipment, energy-efficient light fixtures and occupancy sensors to conserve energy; “low-flow” plumbing fixtures to save water; and low-emitting finish materials to produce a healthy working environment. Forsyth continued the sustainable process even after occupying their new home by ensuring that “Green Cleaning” practices would be used in the building and by incorporating educational signage to inform the general public of the sustainable building practices.
Spread out over four floors, the project includes expansive laboratory and support space, a vivarium, multiple conference rooms, offices, and two research dental clinics. ARC worked closely with the entire Forsyth faculty and staff to complete programming and organization of the new spaces. Throughout the process, spaces were created to reinforce the goal to foster collaboration in the research process, providing areas for meeting and interaction including a central circulation stair linking the three research floors. ARC carefully coordinated the reuse of existing conditions to develop a cost-efficient solution while creating an entirely new planning concept and a new design aesthetic.
“Working with The Forsyth Institute on this significant relocation project has been particularly enjoyable. Our aim was to provide their researchers with a top-notch scientific facility designed to maximize flexibility while incorporating the latest in technology” said Rob Quigley, AIA, a principal at ARC/Architectural Resources Cambridge.
“We are very excited about our new location, which will enable Forsyth to conduct research in the absolute best facilities, establish additional collaborations and thrive into its second century,” said Dr. Philip Stashenko, President and CEO of The Forsyth Institute.
At the new facility, the Institute will conduct biomedical research in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, skeletal biology, development biology, tissue regeneration and clinical research. Forsyth scientists are involved in a wide range of projects, including the identification of the 600 or more bacteria that inhabit the human mouth, the role of specific bacteria in causing oral diseases, and the connections between oral and systemic diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
