The Ragon Institute is world-renowned for its work in immunology and infectious diseases, with a mission to harness the immune system to support human health. 
We partnered with architectural firm, Payette, to create a sustainable, state-of-the-art building that facilitates scientific collaboration.

Pushing boundaries

We knew from the outset that the Ragon Institute would need more than run-of-the-mill scientific laboratories. Our challenge was to create an inspiring building that the institute’s researchers would call home for decades to come, as they focus their efforts on advancing our understanding of HIV/AIDS, other globally-significant and emerging infectious diseases, vaccine development, and immunology.

A responsive, integrated approach

Together with Payette, we consulted a range of user groups to understand the nature of the research they would undertake in the future building. Input from the institute’s funders, Terry and Susan Rogan, and its current director, Dr Bruce Walker, was vital in ensuring that the building design supports achievement of the institute’s mission, which is to enable researchers to harness the immune system to prevent and cure human disease. The result is six floors of technology-enabled laboratories, light-filled workspaces, and public areas that empower those at the heart of scientific discovery.

Resilient and sustainable

The building’s robust structure is engineered to ensure that vibration does not impact on research. Laboratories, the main electrical room, and generators are all located above ground level to protect them from flooding. Modern science facilities can be energy intensive, and a core aspect of the building’s engineering focuses on managing energy demand by maximising operational efficiency and introducing energy capture, recovery, and reuse where feasible. System resilience is also a key component of the design. The result is a building with energy efficiency that exceeds code requirements by 60%, delivering well ahead of industry standards and contributing to the achievement of the institute’s climate goals.

Ragon Institute video cover
Early-stage model illustrating the building's architecture, structure, and MEP systems during the design phase. The view enters the building, passes through the auditorium, ascends the atrium, and reaches the Level 2 laboratories.

We are excited by the work that will take place in the Ragon Institute and the global impact it will have on those who suffer from disease.

Bruce Walker

Ragon Institute Director, MIT Professor

Breaking down barriers

Part of the Ragon Institute’s strength is the expertise it brings together from its partner organisations – Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University. The design of the building removes physical barriers, encouraging collaboration. Laboratories and write-up spaces ring the central atrium, allowing clear views into each other's areas. Break-out spaces give people from different disciplines plenty of opportunities to mingle.

Serving the community

The new Ragon Institute is designed for both science and people. Located in the heart of the scientific quarter in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the building’s open design reaches out to its community and beyond. A third of the space is given over to public use, including children's daycare centre and an auditorium for hosting educational events. 

Entrance of the Ragon Institute

The main reception features a modern and spacious interior © Robert Benson

Playground - part of the Ragon Institute

The playground is open for public use © Robert Benson

A lab space inside the Ragon Institute

The laboratories host a diverse community of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT and Harvard University © Robert Benson