Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall

Scroll
Location
Worcester, MA
Project Type
Ground-Up
Duration
20 Months
Square Footage
78,000 sf
Partners
Gensler

The Innovation Studio at WPI serves as a hub for the university’s project-based STEM education. Designed to foster hands-on, collaborative learning, this five-story, mixed-use facility includes two levels of dedicated project space, featuring high-tech classrooms, robotics labs, maker spaces, business incubators, and a global impacts lab. With flexible collaboration areas and an innovation center, it supports interdisciplinary problem-solving and entrepreneurship. The top three floors are home to a 140-bed residence hall, while the basement houses essential mechanical and storage spaces.

Built on the site of the former Alumni Gym, the project achieved LEED® Gold certification. The project realized a 50% reduction in energy costs through demand-controlled ventilation, ducted fresh air systems, and high-efficiency fixtures. Environmentally conscious materials, such as low-VOC content items, recycled products, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, were prioritized, furthering the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall building with large glass windows
Robert Benson Photography
People sitting on the large stairs in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
Group of people walking down a staircase in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A group of people sitting on large stairs and walking in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A group of people sitting on large stairs and walking in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A group of people sitting at communal tables in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
People walking in a hallway in Ithe nnovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A group of people in a room working on robotics in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A group of people working on robotics in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
People sitting in a communal space in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
Communal work space and meeting room in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
A woman sitting on a bed in a dorm room at Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Robert Benson Photography
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 of 12
Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall building with large glass windows
People sitting on the large stairs in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Group of people walking down a staircase in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A group of people sitting on large stairs and walking in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A group of people sitting on large stairs and walking in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A group of people sitting at communal tables in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
People walking in a hallway in Ithe nnovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A group of people in a room working on robotics in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A group of people working on robotics in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
People sitting in a communal space in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
Communal work space and meeting room in Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall
A woman sitting on a bed in a dorm room at Innovation Studio & Messenger Residence Hall