Cambridge, MA
Killian Court is the historic core of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s campus, and a premiere event space, having held commencement since 1979. MIT commissioned STIMSON in 2013 to develop a plan to address its inaccessibility, underutilized spaces, and disrepair. STIMSON worked closely with the MIT community to develop, and then document this vision in The Universal Access and Renewal Plan (April 2014). Improved seating, lighting, visibility, internet coverage, sculpture, sloped walks for universal access, and rich gardens are proposed to create vibrant spaces for student gatherings. A large open space is maintained to accommodate an ever-growing commencement crowd. A site-wide filtration system is proposed under the central lawn to improve the water quality of the Charles River, while making Killian Court one of the most significant phosphorous removal sites in the lower Charles River watershed and a living laboratory for MIT students. The first phase (completed 2016) included new walkways and plantings on the east side of Killian Court, as well as masonry accessible sloped walks integrated into the restored entrances.
Photography
Ngoc Doan