The new Simmons School of Management (SOM), Simmons College, Boston, embodies the college's commitment to sustainable development. The project, which opened in January, recently earned LEED gold certification.
The project included a 66,500-square-foot academic center and new green space, the Simmons Quadrangle, on the site of a former parking lot. The design conceals parking for 700 cars in a five-level subterranean garage.
Simmons School of Management is the nation's first business school designed for women. This project has been included in the curricula in environmental science and ethics/philosophy, further enhancing the sustainable mindset at the college.
The building is oriented to capitalize on natural light and views; 90 percent of the indoor space receives daylight. The design also includes a partially vegetated roof and a high-albedo, low-emissivity roof to mitigate stormwater runoff and the heat-island effect. Recycled steel, carpet and ceiling tiles also are used throughout, and 90 percent of construction waste was recycled. Furniture and finishes incorporate sustainable materials and manufacturing practices. Bamboo is used extensively in millwork, office desk surfaces and in the lobby.
High-efficiency lighting and control systems reduce energy expenditures and incorporate telephone, data and fire-alarm systems. The building's wall envelope should surpass standard performance by 25 percent.
Architect for the project is Cannon Design (Boston).
