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William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. – Northeastern University Building F, in Boston

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William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. – Northeastern University Building F, in Boston

David McFadden | architecture | April 28, 2011

Photograph: © Alan Karchmer

As the sixth building designed by the firm for Northeastern’s new West Campus, this 140,000 square foot mixed-use building completes the build-out of the 1.2 million square foot Master Plan.

The building reinforces the university’s academic mission and commitment to creating a new mixed-use sector of campus. Creating a vibrant, high-density environment that is active at all hours of the day, the building embodies the spirit of “living & learning.” It includes three significant components: Freshman Honors Housing, a Cultural Center, and an Academic Center.

The Honors Housing, with 230 beds in six-person apartments, celebrates academic excellence at the heart of this new mixed-use precinct. A two-story, four-part lounge (including Lounge, Study Room, Laundry, and Study Nook) encourages interaction among residents while simultaneously offering places for group/individual study. The Honors Program offices occupy a prominent ground-floor location at the front door to the Honors Housing.

The Cultural Center, located on the lower two floors, celebrates academic diversity and outreach. Together with the building’s residential and academic spaces, it makes the building a hub of student life.

Photograph: © Alan Karchmer

The Academic Center complements the Honors Housing, helping the university achieve its goal of strengthening the Honors community. It includes seven classrooms (300 seats total) and a 270-seat auditorium. The Academic Center anchors the lower three floors to the central pedestrian promenade of the West Campus.

Photograph: © Alan Karchmer

Project details

Architect: William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.
Associate Firm: Stull and Lee, Inc. Architecture and Planning
Owner: Northeastern University
Location: Boston

Engineer, MEP/FP: Cosentini Associates, Inc.
Engineer, Structural: LeMessurier Consultants, Inc.
General Contractor: Turner Construction Company
Landscape Architect: Pressley Associates, Inc.
Lighting: Ripman Lighting Consultants
Via archinnovations

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About the author

After working at various design practices on a full-time and freelance basis and starting his design firm, David McFadden saw a gap in the industry. In 1984, he created an expansive hub for architects and hiring firms to sync up, complete projects, and mutually benefit. That hub was Consulting For Architects Inc., which enabled architects to find meaningful design work while freeing hiring firms from tedious hiring-firing cycles. This departure from the traditional, more rigid style of employer-employee relations was just what the industry needed – flexibility and adaption to current work circumstances. David has successfully advised his clients and staff through the trials and tribulations of four recessions – the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, and the pandemic.