Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering

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Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering (SCI) is a building owned by Boston University and named for Arthur G.B. Metcalf. Metcalf founded what would later become the university's engineering college and served as its chair. He also donated millions of dollars toward the construction of the building.^[1] Located at 590-596 Commonwealth Avenue, the building contains offices, classrooms, and laboratories primarily used by the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology Departments of the College of Arts and Sciences. Its facilities are also used for biomedical research. Boston University boasts that there is a waiting list for researchers wanting to conduct research in the building.^[2]

The edifice was constructed out of three industrial buildings in 1983 when John Silber was Boston University's president.^[3][4] The large green exposed ventilator pipes recall the architectural movement of utilitarian Structural Expressionism akin to Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.^[5]

The building is set back from the street by a brick plaza, formerly a parking lot,^{[citation needed]} which includes blocky patches of grass. A metal sculpture in front is titled "Explosion".

[edit] References

1. ^ Arthur G. B. Metcalf '32 - The Tech
2. ^ Boston University Admissions - Academic Facilities
3. ^ Boston University | Visitor Center | About the University | World University
4. ^ B.U. Bridge: Boston University community's weekly newspaper
5. ^ BU Bridge News - Week of 15 October 1999