Building 2 and West Parking Garage

athenahealth, Inc.

Watertown, MA  USA

Client: athenahealth, Inc.

Scope: 30,000 sf multipurpose building; seven-level parking garage for 1,600 vehicles; custom-designed sculptural screen and living wall

The first phase of athenahealth’s Master Plan includes a new 30,000 sf multipurpose building and new seven-level parking garage for 1,600 vehicles. The building massing creates a new contemporary landmark that pays respect to the historic architectural setting while standing in quite contrast to it.

The parking garage features a custom-designed sculptural screen that elegantly wraps a textured, pre-cast concrete façade to the north. The screen is constructed of delicate aluminum panels that employ a hyperbolic paraboloid surface, resulting in a curved, multidirectional shape. This dynamic structure activates the street, and weaves between the garage and multipurpose building to create a cohesive form and continuity between structures.

On the south façade, a living wall announces a new public park across from the Charles River, creating a civic space for athenahealth employees and the surrounding community. The park also provides improved accessibility and has been setback from the property line to provide a minimal profile and integrate with an adjacent residential neighborhood.

View the animation.

Collaborators:
Landscape Architect: Stantec
Parking: Walker Parking Consultants
MEP/FP Engineer: RDK Engineers
Structural Engineer: Odeh Engineers, Inc.
Geotechnical Engineer: Sanborn Head
Code Consultant: Code Red Consultants, LLC
Specifications: The Friday Group LLC
Lighting: Lam Partners
Transportation: Vanasse & Associates
Construction Manager: C.E. Floyd Co.