Arup's Engineering Design Accomplishes Architect's Vision for Dudley Square's Bolling Building, Now Officially Open

BOSTON, April 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Arup, a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm with a reputation for delivering innovative and sustainable designs, participated in the community-changing design and reconstruction of the historic Ferdinand Building in Roxbury's Dudley Square neighborhood, dedicated now as the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building. A grand opening ceremony was held with the project team on Saturday April 25^th. Working directly for local architect Sasaki, in collaboration with the Netherlands-based design firm Mecanoo, Arup's structural engineering design responded to complex demands on the gravity system enabling the architect's vision of creating a column-free lobby while integrating all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems into the sleek interior space. The construction of the Bruce C. Bolling Building is a collaboration of Boston's Property and Construction Management Department (PCMD), the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), and the City of Boston under the leadership of Mayor Walsh, and will serve as the new headquarters for the Boston Public School system.

Part of Arup's design challenge was to support the preservation of the historic facade while tying floor returns and systems together to enforce the modern features of the new building. In addition to structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering, Arup provided IT and communications consulting on the project. The creative design and careful delivery of all services enabled the contractor to keep the amount of steel under control and the project on schedule. By participating in the early stages of design, Arup was able to respond to key design concepts in a way that helped bring together the architect's design within a reasonable budget.

The revitalization of Dudley Square was one of former Mayor Menino's top priorities, with the renovation and expansion of the Ferdinand Building at its center. Arup's participation in the project brought a sensitivity to the historic nature of the building while implementing high-performance building standards and full systems integration. Helping to achieve the goals of cost-effective construction while maximizing the potential for energy reduction, Arup specified chilled beams, energy recovery air handling units, and condensing boilers to help the project achieve LEED Gold. These activities enabled the project to exceed the stretch code energy goals.

"We thoroughly enjoy delving into the details of a complex architectural project and making the project function as a realistic manifestation of the architect's vision," said Mark Walsh-Cooke, project director from Arup.

Similar high-performing and high-profile projects in which Arup is involved include the structural design and engineering for the Smith Campus Center at Harvard University with Bruner/Cott Architects and Planners; the Harvard University Science Center and Godfrey Lowell Cabot Science Library with Atlanta's Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects; the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) with Bruner Cott; and the recently completed Cutter and Ziskind Houses at Smith College with Perkins+Will.

About Arup
Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world's most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. Its engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects across the world. Arup opened its first US office 25 years ago and now employs 1,000 in the Americas. The firm was founded in 1946 with an enduring set of values that fosters a distinctive culture, intellectual independence, and collaborative approach. The people at Arup are driven to find a better way to deliver better solutions for their clients. (www.arup.com)

For further information please contact:

Rebecca Maloney, LEED AP, CPSM
Arup
e [email protected]
m +1 617 412-6632

Jennifer Shelby, CPSM
Rhino PR
e [email protected]
m +1 508 685 0763

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150428/212336
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130826/MM69714LOGO

SOURCE Arup

Related Links

http://www.arup.com