The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has officially unveiled its new School of Architecture and Planning headquarters in Cambridge . The project involved converting the historic Metropolitan Storage Warehouse—a century-old brick structure—into a modern academic facility designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
The 1894 brick vault that once protected Boston's wealth
The Metropolitan Storage Warehouse in Cambridge stands as a massive brick landmark that has existed for over a century.. Originally constructed in 1894 and finalized in its current form by 1923,the building served as a "fireproof" vault for the high-value goods of Boston’s elite, including pianos, bronzes, and furs.. Because it was designed to store objects rather than people, the structure featured two-foot-thick walls and small, slit-like windows that offered little natural light.
This transformation reflects a growing global trend in urban architecture where massive industrial relics are repurposed for human-centric uses. By converting a structure meant for inanimate objects into a space for students , MIT is participating in a larger movement of adaptive reuse that prioritizes historical preservation alongside modern utility, turning a former "brick box" into a center for research and teaching.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s 'architectural surgery' on a 500-foot structure
To overcome the limitations of the original design, the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro employed what they described as "architectural surgery." Because the building featured low floor-to-floor heights and a lack of windows, the team had to use complex cutting and coring strategies to create open, light-filled spaces. this approach was inspired by the techniques of artist Gordon Matta-Clark, involving the dismantling and severing of multistory blocks.
According to the report, the engineering team had to manage the structural load of the massive 500-foot-long building by removing portions of the heavy masonry floor system. This reduction in weight revealed enough reserve capacity within the existing columns and wood piles to support newly introduced, lightweight modern floor slabs, which are "hung" by steel straps from existing beams.
A modern 'Infinite Corridor' designed for the SA+P community
The new home for MIT's School of Architecture and Planning features a striking glass-wall corridor that serves as a 21st-century variation of the university's famous "Infinite Corridor." This five-story structure includes double-height studio spaces and expansive common areas designed to foster creativity and public engagement.
As reported by the source,the design team intentionally retained many of the warehouse's original brick features as a tribute to its industrial past. While the building's original high loading capacity of 150 pounds per square foot remains, the interior has been completely reimagined to move away from the dark, cellular spaces that previously characterized the warehouse.
The missing financial details and LEED Gold timeline for the Met
While the architectural unveiling is complete, several specific details regarding the project's execution remain unverified. The source does not specify the total financial investment required for this massive overhaul, nor does it provide a definitive date for when the LEED Gold certification—which the team is currently targeting—will be officially granted. Additionally, while the project aims for increased "public engagement," the specific programs or methods for how the Cambridge community will interact with the new space are not detailed in the current report.
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