“Arthur G.B. Metcalf,” a name whispered with respect. It echoes through the halls of the Metcalf Science Center. Metcalf’s legacy lives on in this building at Boston University.
The Metcalf Science Center stands as a testament to scientific advancement. It also honors a man who shaped the university’s engineering program. Arthur G.B. Metcalf’s contribution was immense. He established the College of Engineering and generously funded this center.
Opened in 1983, the Metcalf Science Center houses vital departments. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology thrive within its walls. Biomedical research also flourishes here. Boston University proudly declares a waiting list exists for researchers eager to work here.
Interestingly, the Metcalf Science Center wasn’t built from scratch. It was cleverly constructed from three industrial buildings. John Silber, then president of Boston University, oversaw this transformation. The modern atrium we see now was once open space. It separated the original buildings before being enclosed.
Look up at the roof. You’ll notice a large, two-story HVAC unit. This wasn’t part of the original 1983 design. In 2008, a $25 million upgrade replaced the inadequate ventilation system. The new system combats the humid Boston summers.
Inside the atrium, spot the large green pipes. These run up the building’s height. They connect to the HVAC system. Their exposed nature is a nod to utilitarian structural expressionism. Think of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
Before the Metcalf Science Center, this location had a different vibe. It was home to the Psychedelic Supermarket. This music venue in a converted parking garage basement hosted legends. Cream, the Grateful Dead, and Janis Joplin all played here. The Moody Blues also graced its stage. This was in the late 1960s.
Consider booking a room here. Room SCI 200B is a popular choice. It is a lounge at the north end of the atrium. But remember some rooms have restrictions. SCI 270D is for undergraduate instructors only. SCI 512 is not for office hours.
The Metcalf Science Center is more than bricks and mortar. It embodies Boston University’s dedication to science. It strengthens technical education. A $100 million project, it was dedicated to scientific progress.
U.S. Rep. John J. Moakley delivered the keynote address at the dedication. Physicist Se Hee Ahn received an honorary degree. The center stands as a symbol. It shows the university’s commitment to Kenmore Square’s revitalization.
So, as you stand before the Metcalf Science Center remember its layered history. From music legends to scientific breakthroughs, this site has seen it all. It will continue shaping minds for generations.