Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Back to Projects: GalleryMapList

Jump to: Select a project

In design

Complete

Great Dome renovation, Building 10

This highly visible restoration project resolved water leaks above Barker Library and restored the integrity of MIT’s most recognized landmark – the Great Dome.

-71.0920000000 42.3597000000
Dome exterior

Great Dome renovation, Building 10

222 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA

Status: Complete

Themes: Renovation and renewal
Sustainability

Completion: 2009

This highly visible restoration project resolved water leaks above Barker Library and restored the integrity of MIT’s most recognized landmark – the Great Dome.

Overview

Dome exterior
Dome exterior with scaffolding
Dome waterproofing work
Dome waterproofing work
Dome waterproofing work
Dome limestone placement
Dome copper placement

Status

Complete

Completion Date

2009

Themes and priorities

Renovation and renewal
Sustainability

If the essence of MIT were distilled down to a single image, it would be this: the iconic Great Dome rising above Building 10 and the Barker Engineering Library. Traditionally, the Dome has served as an image of architectural splendor, a site for cheeky student pranks, and a symbol of home for the Institute’s community.

Originally constructed in 1916, the Dome gradually lost its watertight seal and began leaking rainwater into the Barker Library stacks below. Its copper flashing had deteriorated and needed to be replaced with new material that would integrate well with the old structure. In addition, the renovation had to proceed on a tight schedule and had to accommodate ongoing activities in the library below.

A team of restoration specialists worked to carefully restore the Dome’s poured-concrete curvature and steps, using 300 new limestone blocks quarried from the source that had originally supplied the stone in 1916. A newly applied waterproofing membrane provides excellent protection while preserving the Dome’s original appearance.

Today, thanks to a project that combined sensitivity to historic architecture with contemporary restoration techniques, the Great Dome continues its legacy as a proud symbol of MIT and a beacon for its community.

Read about work to restore the Great Dome skylight and reopen it for the first time since World War II.

Image credits

Courtesy Walsh Bros.

Details

Address

222 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA

Use

Academic

Project Team

Engineer: Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger, Boston, MA
Construction manager:
Walsh Bros. Inc., Boston, MA
MIT Team:
Joseph Collins, Jennifer Combs

Scope

8,800 gsf

Design Features

  • To maintain the aesthetic integrity of the Dome, 300 new limestone blocks were quarried from the same Indiana source that provided materials for the original construction completed in 1916. The team also re-used pieces of original limestone removed during the renovation and in good condition.
  • A waterproofing membrane was applied between the limestone and concrete to prevent water from penetrating the Dome’s structure. The waterproofing membrane provides excellent protection without compromising aesthetics, preserving the original look of the Dome.

Awards

Walsh Brothers received the 2010 Aon Build America Award from The Associated General Contractors of America for outstanding work on a complicated, deadline-driven job

Map

42.3597000000
-71.0920000000
15