Reimagining the science center for the 21st century Since its founding in 1870, Wellesley College has been a pioneer in science education for women. More than a century and a half later, SOM reimagined the institution’s science center to accommodate an increased demand for STEM education and a 21st-century style of learning. With new spaces … Continued
A new landmark for Hangzhou One Century (Hangzhou Wangchao Center) is a prominent addition to Qianjiang Century Town, an expansion to the city of Hangzhou, China, that has emerged as a bustling commercial center. Located adjacent to one of the city’s new subway stations, the project exemplifies smart, transit-oriented development. It introduces 125,000 square meters … Continued
Flexibility for new modes of learning The Campus Instructional Facility (CIF) is a multi-story center for hands-on learning designed to meet the changing needs of engineering students and faculty at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Located at the northwest corner of the Bardeen Quadrangle along Springfield Avenue and Wright Street, this teaching hub enables collaboration … Continued
Thames City is a key part of Nine Elms, Europe’s largest regeneration zone. Born out of SOM’s New Covent Garden Market Plan, Thames City provides around 1,500 new homes overlooking the River Thames and over 2.5 acres of interconnected publicly accessible space. In addition to the planning of the site, SOM designed three residential high-rise … Continued
A sculptural tower designed for America’s largest bank With its crystalline bay window facade and irregular setbacks, 555 California Street—formerly the global headquarters of Bank of America—emerges as an architectural centerpiece of San Francisco’s financial district. The office complex consists of a 52-story tower and a glass-enclosed banking hall, atop a four-level base nestled into … Continued
SOM conceived this exhibition center as a “living room” for Zhongshan, a burgeoning industrial city of 1.3 million people. The complex includes comfortable lobbies and meeting spaces, versatile dining areas, administrative support areas, VIP suites, a central high-performance engineering plant, and a grand plaza. The plaza, which can accommodate a variety of events, is one … Continued
This new mixed-use complex in Shenzhen’s Longgang District is designed to be a vibrant hub for business and entertainment. SOM’s master plan is based on the concept of a 21st-century village — where narrow streets define a human-scaled pedestrian environment, and where offices, shops, cinemas, restaurants, and a luxury hotel are all linked to a … Continued
A New Hub Along the Silk Road Once a vital outpost on the ancient Silk Road, Urumqi has emerged as a dynamic urban hub and a centerpiece of China’s westward development strategy. Positioned at the geographical center of the Eurasian continent, Urumqi serves as a critical node for trade and cultural exchange in the Silk … Continued
Establishing a new headquarters The Robert A. Iger Building brings The Walt Disney Company’s news, editorial, live productions, streaming services, advertising, and more, together under one roof. Spanning a full city block at 7 Hudson Square, the building is conceived as a vertical campus, packing a dense collection of studios, newsrooms, offices, and outdoor spaces. … Continued
A new landmark for Dubai’s creative district Rising 45 stories above the Dubai Design District—home to the city’s artistic community and the annual Dubai Design Week—Atélis introduces a new model for urban living along Dubai Creek. The tower’s curving, petal-like balconies—inspired by the Al Samer, the UAE’s national flower—create a distinctive silhouette and woven texture. … Continued