The Weissman Foundry is Babson’s newest and most innovative academic center. The 10,000 square-foot contemporary structure is an open-door design studio inspiring transdisciplinary innovative collaboration between Babson, Olin and Wellesley students for the advancement of new or existing projects! It was made for the curious—the entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, and academics alike. Designed as an intentional mashup of student interests, the Weissman Foundry is meant to ignite forward-thinking idea exploration, iteration, and design, and to facilitate meaningful knowledge transfer between the three college communities.y
“The Foundry encourages innovation through learning and hands-on experimentation,” said Randy Catlin, Executive Vice President & COO at Windover Construction. “We’re honored to have worked alongside our partners, Babson College, William Rawn Associates, LeMessurier, and Vanderweil to deliver a facility that supports the entrepreneurial spirit of these students who are creating strong economic and social value for the future.”
Windover led the preconstruction and construction and collaborated with the design team to execute Babson’s vision for the advanced facility. Featuring areas for project work, large and small, this new creative space provides access to workbenches, advanced fabrication equipment, traditional tools, robotics, AR/VR, and sought-after connections to expertise and training.
The facility features several complex and contemporary design elements. With meticulous upfront preconstruction planning, Windover prepared for the successful build of these elements despite facing a condensed, eight-month construction schedule. The stunning building envelope, consisting of the convergence of curtainwall, masonry, and metal panel at every elevation, required tight coordination across multiple trades to execute. Interiorly, Windover facilitated the intricate MEP/HVAC infrastructure, including moveable fixtures, high power loads, and complex ductwork connections, by implementing 3D BIM coordination and prefabrication of selected elements. Set within a wooded landscape, the industrial-looking Foundry has abundant natural light, wood canopies, and a “living roof” that supports the college’s sustainability commitment and is registered with the certification goal of LEED® Silver.
photo credit Bruce T. Martin