Boston University's Duan Family Center for Computing and Data Sciences

Boston, Massachusetts

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Boston University's Duan Family Center for Computing and Data Sciences

A Unique Building Design

The recently completed Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences has established itself as a landmark along the Charles River, showcasing an unconventional departure from Boston University’s traditional brick and mortar architecture. Designed by KPMB Architects, the building stands out for its commitment to sustainability and a design that encourages collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Its bold, stacked-block appearance brings to mind a stack of books, harmonizing with the urban skyline while making a unique architectural statement. Initially met with criticism due to its atypical design, the building has since been recognized as revolutionary, quieting early doubts.
  • Client

    Boston University

  • Location

    Boston, Massachusetts

  • Sector

    Educational

  • Discipline

    Wayfinding, Digital Signage, Experiential Graphics

  • Architect

    KPMB Architects

  • Photography

    Nick Leheux and Anthony Crisafulli

Center for Computing and Data Sciences interior elevator lobby with large level number 5 mounted on vertical wooden slats

Known for creating signage that is elegant and minimalist, Entro delivered durable, understated signs—some crafted from wood—that harmonize with the building’s aesthetic. The signage is designed to be both functional and visually unobtrusive, underscoring the building’s architecture without drawing attention away from it.

Center for Computing and Data Sciences lobby with floor to ceiling digital screen showing sustainability information
Center for Computing and Data Sciences interior showing open floor plan with collaboration work spaces surrounded by curving staircases
Sustainability in Architecture

Spanning 345,000 square feet over 19 stories, the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences is Boston’s largest sustainable, operational fossil fuel-free building. The Center features a geothermal system that provides renewable energy for heating and cooling, and its elevated ground floor enhances resilience against future climate impacts, including flooding. Additionally, the Center is one of the first buildings on campus to adopt Boston University’s Zero Waste Initiative, aligning with the university’s Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

Lines and Pixels

Elevator lobbies feature prominent floor numbers, with two distinct elevator banks—one clad in black granite and the other in wooden slats, each level ID adapting to the architectural textures and finishes. In addition to the Whitney font, which was chosen for general signage, we used a modern, pixelated font for elevator level indicators, aligning with the Center’s data and computing purpose. Parallel line graphics add a symmetric design element, extending to windows and other surfaces, with a tone-on-tone approach that respects visual harmony. For digital signage, we coordinated the installation of a sustainability screen on the main wall, advising on housing and screen specifications to align with the building’s eco-friendly mission.

Directing visitors within the Center posed a unique challenge due to the building’s offset, stacked design, where each floor has a distinct layout and at the podium levels a series of interconnected feature stairs provide multiple vertical circulation options. With two elevator banks on the ground floor—one leading to all levels and the other to specific podium levels—clear wayfinding was essential. Directory and directional signs on each floor guide users to the correct bank, with essential wayfinding information subtly embedded in existing structural columns.

Center for Computing and Data Sciences stairwell with large level 12 graphic formed by vertical lines mounted on glass. View of city skyline out of window adjacent to stairs.
Center for Computing and Data Sciences exterior at dusk.
Center for Computing and Data Sciences interior ariel view of stunning curved staircase.

The Duan Family Center for Computing and Data Sciences has won numerous architectural awards, including an American Architecture Award, New England Architecture Award, AIA Canada Design Award (Honorable Mention), and a Canadian Architect Award of Merit.

Find out more about the Center here and in Azure Magazine.

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