The Impact of Payette ISEC Northeastern

Exterior view of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) facing East.

Prior transferring to Syracuse, I attended Wentworth Institute of Technology. As many Wentworth students do, I spent lots of time at Northeastern connecting with students and utilizing their facilities. During my time at Wentworth I can vividly remember the first time I walked into the ISEC, accompanied by the president of the IISE club. I can describe this moment as one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Since childhood I've traveled and appreciated different forms of architecture and this was an entirely new encounter. I've never seen a building so modern, so advanced and grand in scale. I started inspecting and appreciating all the elements the building had from the vertical wood slatted ceilings to the oculus at the top.

I was fascinated by the significance of the building, not only in its direct impact on the school but also in its broader contribution to the city of Boston. Exploring its history more deeply, both from an academic and economic perspective, revealed how this architectural masterpiece has inspired countless individuals and played a pivotal role in shaping the city's identity. Growing up near it, I couldn’t help but appreciate how this incredible structure has influenced not just local academics but Boston as a whole.

The Impact of Northeastern’s Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC)

Boston is a city known for its academic excellence and innovative spirit, and Northeastern University has long been a key player in shaping the city’s research and technological landscape. Yet, until the opening of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) in 2017, Northeastern faced significant challenges in establishing itself as a powerhouse for cutting-edge research. The ISEC, designed by the renowned architecture firm Payette, has been pivotal in addressing these limitations, elevating Northeastern’s research capabilities, and contributing to the broader Boston innovation ecosystem. In this post, we’ll explore how the ISEC has transformed the university’s research landscape, impacted the city of Boston, and discuss the architectural vision behind the building.

Before the ISEC’s construction, Northeastern struggled with inadequate facilities to support its growing research ambitions. In the past, research efforts were constrained to the schools primary laboratory the Egan Research facility which had limited space, and a lack of cross-disciplinary collaboration. A 2014 Boston Globe article highlighted how Northeastern’s research infrastructure “Lagged behind its Boston peers, making it difficult to attract top talent and compete for significant research funding.” The ISEC was designed to address these gaps, providing the necessary space and resources to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and boost the university’s research capabilities.

Designed for Innovation

The ISEC’s design reflects both functionality and innovation, and its architecture is a key part of how the building fosters interdisciplinary research. Designed by Payette, a leading architecture firm known for its work in academic and scientific buildings, the ISEC is a striking addition to the Boston skyline. The building was conceived not only to be a state-of-the-art research facility but also to symbolize Northeastern’s commitment to creating an environment where knowledge, creativity, and collaboration can flourish.

Collaborative and Flexible Spaces

One of the key features of the ISEC’s design is its focus on flexibility. The building includes open, adaptable research labs that allow scientists from diverse disciplines to collaborate seamlessly. The architecture encourages spontaneous interactions between faculty, students, and external partners, making it easier to cross the traditional boundaries between science, engineering, and other fields like social sciences or business. Since opening, the ISEC has supported interdisciplinary research partnerships, including a collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital on pediatric healthcare technologies and Massachusetts General Hospital on AI-driven diagnostic tools. These projects have directly benefited from the ISEC’s flexible lab spaces that foster joint research between these institutions and Northeastern’s faculty.

Sustainable Design

The ISEC was also designed with sustainability in mind. The building includes green roofs, which not only provide environmental benefits but also contribute to the aesthetic and functional aspects of the structure. These green spaces are part of Northeastern’s broader sustainability efforts and aim to reduce the building's carbon footprint. The ISEC is LEED-certified, a designation that highlights its adherence to high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. The use of energy-efficient HVAC systems, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems reduces the building’s environmental impact. By incorporating these sustainable design elements, the ISEC contributes to Boston’s growing reputation as a green city.

The Pedestrian Bridge

One of the most striking architectural features of the ISEC is its pedestrian bridge, which spans across the MBTA tracks, physically connects the Roxbury and Fenway neighborhoods to Northeastern’s main campus. This bridge symbolizes the integration of the university with the surrounding community, providing greater access to campus and enhancing Northeastern’s role in the city’s academic and economic life. The bridge also is frequently used for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This aligns with Boston’s goals for urban sustainability and mobility. The bridge has facilitated better access to Roxbury, a historically underserved neighborhood, and Fenway, helping residents and local businesses tap into Northeastern’s resources. It serves as an important piece in the university’s ongoing efforts to engage with its surrounding communities, contributing to local development projects and improving mobility for Boston’s residents. My first time on the pedestrian bridge was a bit confusing, yet curious. Initially I couldn’t figure out the purpose of the large shapes blocking views of the city. However looking behind me I realized it was made up of bronze sheets with open slits for viewing. That’s when it all clicked, and I saw how intentional the design actually was.

Increased Research Funding

Since the opening of the ISEC, Northeastern has seen a significant rise in research funding. In 2018, the university reported a record $178 million in external research awards, a 122% increase from just a decade earlier. The ISEC’s advanced facilities have made Northeastern more competitive in securing prestigious grants from federal agencies, private industry, and philanthropic organizations. Northeastern received a $25 million NIH grant in 2018 to advance healthcare research, a key part of which was conducted in the ISEC. This funding was made possible by the state-of-the-art research capabilities provided by the ISEC’s laboratories and resources.

Attracting Top Talent

The ISEC has helped Northeastern attract internationally recognized faculty and researchers. For example, Dr. Albert-László Barabási, a leader in network science, joined Northeastern after the university’s investment in research infrastructure flourished, including the ISEC. Barabási’s research group has been able to expand its work on network dynamics, and his lab at the ISEC collaborates with researchers from Harvard Medical School and MIT, enhancing Northeastern’s reputation as a global leader in data science and network theory.

Transforming Student Opportunities

For students, the ISEC represents a new era of research opportunities. The facility’s cutting-edge labs and collaboration spaces allow students to engage in hands-on projects, working alongside faculty on research that addresses real-world challenges. This experience prepares students for careers in fields like biotechnology, data science, and robotics, further enhancing Northeastern’s reputation for experiential learning. Northeastern students have worked on projects like the development of a robotic surgical tool with Massachusetts General Hospital and AI-driven mental health applications in collaboration with local startups. These real-world projects provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, preparing them for leadership roles in their fields.

The Impact on Boston

Northeastern’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and collaboration, symbolized by the ISEC, has had far-reaching effects on the city of Boston. The building has drawn attention to the city as a global center for innovation, with research initiatives tackling issues like climate change, healthcare access, and artificial intelligence.

Partnerships with Local Institutions and Businesses

The ISEC has also forged strategic partnerships that have enriched both Northeastern and Boston’s broader research ecosystem. In addition to collaborations with Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, the ISEC has provided space for collaborations with local businesses such as Editas Medicine, a biotechnology company specializing in CRISPR-based gene editing, and Sharklet Technologies, which develops sustainable materials with anti-microbial properties. The Boston Globe reported that collaborations like these have positioned Boston as a top-tier center for biotech and life sciences, with the ISEC playing a central role in facilitating these critical industry-academia partnerships.

Economic Growth and Urban Development

The ISEC has contributed to Boston’s economic growth by attracting research funding, industry partnerships, and talent. The construction of the facility itself created hundreds of construction jobs, while its ongoing operation has brought new industries to the city. The Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) reported that Northeastern’s expansion, including the ISEC, has spurred further development in the Fenway area, with new businesses, restaurants, and residential complexes emerging in the surrounding neighborhoods. The pedestrian bridge connecting the Fenway and Roxbury areas has also helped connect these historically distinct neighborhoods, enhancing urban mobility and boosting local commerce.

Looking to the Future

The ISEC is not just a state-of-the-art research facility—it is a representation of Northeastern’s ambitious vision for the future. The building has not only addressed historical limitations in research infrastructure but also set the stage for future innovations that will benefit not just the university and Boston, but the world.

As the ISEC continues to evolve, it will remain a cornerstone of Northeastern’s academic and research endeavors, shaping the future of interdisciplinary collaboration and driving the next wave of scientific discoveries and technological advancements.