Rafael Vinoly Architects selected for Edward M. Kennedy Institute

Rafael Viñoly Architects has been selected to design the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, situated beside the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.

Rafael Viñoly Architects is proud to have been selected as the architect for the new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Situated on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston, this historic project will stand beside the existing John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, encouraging visitors to explore both buildings. The new facility will house participatory educational programs designed to engage the public in our system of government and heighten awareness of the U.S. Senate’s role in the government. The project will break ground in Fall 2010. The design is targeting LEED Certification.

Rafael Viñoly said, “We are honored to develop this important educational project that will greatly enhance public understanding of the role of the U.S. Senate. We are proud to be working with the Institute and the University of Massachusetts to make Senator Kennedy’s exciting vision a reality.”

The facility will consist of roughly 40,000 square feet of program space, comprised mainly of classrooms, educational exhibits, and a representation of the Senate Chamber.  The Institute’s ground level is made with white precast concrete with punched window openings and as with the overall site plan has been designed to work in harmony with I.M. Pei's neighboring John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. The design includes a seamless cladding which houses the Chamber and is 2 stories in height. The cladding is visually separated from the 1-story volume by a ribbon skylight which will expand at the lobby, greeting visitors with a naturally illuminated reception area.

The completed development will boast a large expanse of outdoor public space at the heart of which is an expanse of grass bringing visitors to the entrance of the building. This lawn is bordered by two triangular volumes which define the entry to the building and geometrically connect the Institute to the JFK Library. The exterior open space is a link between the Institute, the JFK Library and the University of Massachusetts Boston campus, while also acting as a connection to the waterfront and HarborWalk. The entrance approach is designed to incorporate components from each of the 50 states and enhance connections between the building and the entire nation.