Sunshades become building skin on MIT Media Lab

Photo by Doralco Architectural Metals, Alslip, Ill.

The basics: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab in Cambridge, Mass., features more than 20,000 square feet of vertical sunscreens that cover the exterior of the building, creating an array of diffused light patterns within the building throughout the day, according to a release from Doralco Architectural Metals.

The players: Architect, Maki Associates, Japan, and Leers Weinzapfal Architects, Boston; general contractor, Bond Brothers Inc., Everett, Mass.; sunshade manufacturer, Doralco Architectural Metal, Alslip, Ill.; glazing contractor, Karas & Karas, South Boston, Mass.

The systems: Intertec sunshades, consisting of more than 28 miles of ¾-inch diameter extruded aluminum pipe, is utilized within the screen assemblies. Catwalks for access around the perimeter were designed into the sunshades and were attached directly to the outriggers, providing functionality and design, according to the Doralco release. The screen assemblies are directly hung off of the building structure via a series of custom engineered steel anchor and outrigger assemblies that integrate within the curtain wall facades.