Top mathematicians from around the globe gather daily to create innovative products at MathWorks headquarters in Natick, Mass. In fact, this fleet of math wizards has grown to over 4,500 in number. To accommodate their growing workforce, MathWorks decided to expand their square footage with a new campus located just a few miles from their main corporate office. Appropriately named, the new Lakeside Campus now rounds out MathWorks’ 32 different locations, both in the United States and internationally.  

As part of the campus upgrade, the mathematical computing software company partnered with Gensler, a world renowned architecture firm, to build a state-of-the-art cafeteria and conference facility at the Lakeside campus. The contemporary-looking building is linked to two existing low-rise campus-style office towers and features a soaring SteelBuilt Curtainwall Infinity SSG System by Technical Glass Products. In this application, the curtain wall system uses structurally glazed glass on a cassette toggle system to create stunning uninhibited sightlines into the surrounding courtyard.

The Flow of Daylight

One main benefit of the expansive curtain wall is the daylighting effect for workers inside. Better stated by Gensler, “the purpose-driven design for the new campus creates an environment and experience that inspires the work process and builds organizational community.” Furthermore, studies show that increasing the flow of daylight into an interior workspace can help building occupants and workers feel and be more productive.

The massive, monolithic glass curtain wall adds even more light and dimension to the structure with a slightly segmented system that uses a laser-welded “T” profile in vertical and horizontal lengths, providing a radius look across the elevation. Additionally, this particular system uses hex nuts and bolts to hide fasteners required to make the necessary connection, which allows for the glass to rise to a single 24-foot span. The end result is a slight bend that creates depth in the building design of what would otherwise be a more traditional flat wall.   

As a whole, the new MathWorks Lakeside Campus includes, “comfortably scaled workplace wings that are organized around a central communal hub and sky-lit spiral staircase. Amenities include a dining hall, grab-and-go café, and an outdoor terrace. Throughout the campus, spaces are designed to maximize light and views,” explained Gensler. Now when visitors and employees walk through the central hub of the new campus, they are immediately greeted by the grand sight of the curtain wall system and uninterrupted views the space has become known for. 

PROJECT NOTES

Project: MathWorks Lakeside Campus
Location: Natick, Mass.
Architect: Gensler
Product: SteelBuilt Curtainwall Infinity SSG System
Manufacturer: Technical Glass Products