Genzyme knew from the start that it did not want
a traditional office building. With its history
of innovation, Genzyme wanted a bold building
that would make a statement about the values
that have driven its success. Genzyme
participated in an international architectural
competition which led to drawing submissions
from seven world-renowned architects.
Of the seven proposals, one stood out: a unique
design from Behnisch, Behnisch and Partner.
While six of the seven proposals focused on what
the building looked like from the outside, the
Behnisch proposal envisioned the building from
the “inside out,” with a primary focus on
creating a positive workplace for employees.
Behnisch won the bid.
Working with Genzyme, Behnisch began to design
the building around an internal environment that
emphasized natural light, views of the outdoors and an open “feel” with extensive shared space
that would encourage collaboration.
As the building took shape from the inside, the
outside also came into focus; Genzyme Center
would be sheathed entirely in glass, connecting
the external and internal environments and
making a statement about transparency. This
connection with the external environment would
be strengthened by a number of important
employee-friendly features: operable windows,
extensive indoor gardens, natural light
enhancement systems and a cafeteria with
sweeping views of the Charles River and the
Boston cityscape.
Watch an interview with Stefan Behnisch, the architect of Genzyme Center, to learn about the collaborative design process, the unique architectural and environmental features of the building, and what makes Genzyme Center stand out as one of his favorite projects. |