Mass General Brigham

When many of its leases of more than 16 different administrative offices around the state ended, MGB saw this as an opportunity to consolidate its corporate structure under one roof. The resulting new headquarters in Somerville’s burgeoning Assembly Row is a true testament to this not-for-profit organization’s dedication to the health of local communities and employees alike. After designers at Gensler developed the conceptual design, Acentech was selected to provide architectural acoustics for this 14-floor, 825,000 SF facility.

As a group seeking to create a more patient-centered integrated healthcare system, Mass General Brigham wanted to keep employees’ wellness as a top priority when developing their new headquarters. From outdoor spaces to that support yoga classes, to employee dining areas and private conference rooms, employees can find a spaces that work for them.

However, these open spaces can pose all-too-familiar problems: no privacy and too many distractions. With fewer walls and large spaces, unwanted noise can travel quickly. Acentech’s team of acousticians helped Gensler design these open office spaces to allow workers the ability to collaborate or hunker down and focus on work. Highly absorptive ceiling panels, glass dividers between private spaces, and even wall hangings which appear decorative but function as sound absorption are all key to creating this ideal workplace environment.

Now under one roof, Mass General Brigham looks toward a future in healthcare that is as innovative as its own headquarters.