Revitalizing an industrial site into a publicly accessible campus

Localizing coastal façade engineering 

The building features a diverse façade composition, incorporating vertical metal fins and horizontal banding of Freshwater Pearl Granite, sourced locally from Maine. The 14 degree canted geometry of the façade, combined with its coastal setting, presented additional challenges regarding wind loads and long-term durability. 

Arup’s wind analysis combined physical modeling in a wind tunnel with advanced digital simulation to evaluate façade cladding wind loads, clean-air availability, and site-wide wind comfort and safety. Analysis of common and extreme wind patterns on the site ensured the durability of the façade’s unique details, as well as the ability to supply constant fresh air. Full microclimate analysis of annual wind, temperature, sunlight, and humidity variation supported comfortable conditions safe from wind gusts at entrances, terraces, and elsewhere across the project site for pedestrians. 

Advancing daylighting strategy 

Arup’s daylight analysis helped shape building depth, massing, and façade design. Our strategy maximizes access to natural light across academic, research, and collaboration spaces, creating a healthier and more engaging environment. Our lighting experts delivered generous daylight solutions while mitigating glare and supporting screen-based work, teaching, and research activities. Studied alongside microclimate, solar glare, façade, energy, and sustainability goals, daylighting helps reduce lighting energy use while strengthening the connection to the Portland waterfront. 

Electric illumination was envisioned as an extension of the architectural and daylighting strategy, responding to the building’s form, enhancing the materiality and character of key interior spaces while creating a cohesive visual experience from day to night. A networked lighting controls system was developed in close collaboration with the project team, selecting a platform and user experience that aligned with systems familiar to Northeastern’s existing facilities and operations teams. This approach resulted in an intuitive controls strategy that supports ease of operation and long-term adaptability.  

Lighting is also used to reinforce wayfinding, highlighting important destinations such as The Portal, while strengthening visibility and identity after dark. This approach also creates memorable moments through a RGBW, dynamic advanced LED system within the building’s signature spaces.  

Increasing energy performance through ground-source heating   

We reviewed active and passive energy strategies for optimizing energy in the building to support the implementation of a ground-source heat pump system, which will include 83 wells drilled across the site. These wells will serve as a heat sink, allowing over 90% of the building's heating and 50% of the cooling demand to be fully ground sourced. Lab buildings present significant thermal loads due to their internal research requirements, as well as enhanced ventilation and humidity control. Our expertise guided the strategic placement of key operational equipment, along with other resilience-focused design measures throughout the Alfond Center.  

Creating a sustainable environment for research, education, and innovation  

The project team supported the development of a tailored sustainability charter in collaboration with the city and Northeastern to realize shared energy and resiliency goals.  

Once complete, the Alfond Center will be a high-performance, low-carbon facility that advances the Roux Institute’s ambitious energy, resilience, and sustainability goals while creating a flexible, future-ready environment for research, education, and innovation.