Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution – The David Center for Ocean Innovation

Falmouth, Massachusetts

Early Conceptual Site Plan Sketch

The George and Wendy David Center for Ocean Innovation is the result of a multi-year collaborative planning and design process, engaging ocean science researchers, ocean engineers, and the broader community. The project was developed and reviewed on its overall impact in numerous areas, including Wetlands Resources, Open Space, Community Design, Transportation, Energy, Waste Management, Cultural Heritage, and Economy – criteria developed through work with the Cape Cod Commission (CCC). Through careful consideration, the David Center was sited upland, well above flood zones, away from vernal pools, and outside historic areas. Through the CCC engagement, sensitive areas within the campus were placed into permanent conservation, allowing for construction in robust and resilient zones. The design carefully manages water by using native vegetation and water recharge areas within the site disturbance. The project further supports resiliency on campus by creating flexible space on the building’s third level, designed for future needs, including additional program relocations away from the waterfront and as swing space for existing building rehabilitation.

The building includes programs that catalyze the institution’s research enterprises by co-locating resources that facilitate collaboration, rapid development, prototyping, and testing of new approaches in resource-rich engineering laboratories. Exterior volumes are designed to conserve energy, respond to interior programs, and reflect the surrounding habitat. The David Center invites our global community to share an understanding of our fragile ocean ecosystems.

Construction Manager

Consigli Construction

Civil Engineer / Holmes & McGrath

Holmes & McGrath

Specifications

Architx

MEP Engineer + Structural Engineer

Salas OBrien

AV Consultant

Salas OBrien

Acoustic

Acentech

Lanscape Architect

Stimson

Lighting

Vector Lighting Design, LLC

Owners Project Manager

CSL Consulting

BSA Award for Social and Environmental Impact Advancement

Composition

The David Center for Ocean Innovation breaks the mold of a traditional, mundane, and technical lab space. The designers were able to show its unique building characteristics through playing with a variety of exterior materials and offering flexible workspaces. The restraint in the building envelope is quite elegant” – BSA Design Award Jury

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Down to the Details

The David Center creates a dynamic innovation platform for ocean engineering and underwater vehicle development at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Located on WHOI’s Quissett Campus, this multi-disciplinary 50,000 GSF facility is home to the newly established Autonomous Vehicles and Sensor Technologies (AVAST) program, which catalyzes WHOI’s varied research enterprises.