A new two story cantilevered mass on the south and east façades responds to its prominent corner site while a one story volume houses clinical imaging functions to the north. This ground floor space includes a data center wrapped in glass to allow a view into the processing activity. A significant part of the modernization is the enhancement of the façade, which includes a floor-to-ceiling window wall at the first floor perimeter. Levels two and three employ a similar strategy in order to make the state-of-the-art Data Immersive Visualization Environment (DIVE) and its surrounding activities visible from street level.

Similar to a cathedral located in the heart of a city’s piazza, the DIVE (Data Immersive Visualization Environment) is celebrated by its placement within the open plan.  A choreographed path from data collection to data processing, and visualization is revealed through a transparent façade, disseminating the story of the research to the community.

The 7T and 3T MRI volumes act similarly as objects surrounded by their own supporting elements within the overall composition, unified by the lower roof plane.

For the Institute, the play between rectilinear vs. organic, technology vs. nature and natural vs. man-made are the guiding principles that set the tone for the overall interior design.

A transparent ground level showcases the Data Center, which is a primary focus of the building. An enormous computing power is required to process the massive amount of data collected from brain scanning, the Data Center houses up to 48 server racks. The use of colors in the interior environment is intended to interest and inspire visitors and researchers alike. Color changing LED fixtures create a feature display on the entry level of the building and a glass wall along the corridor provides a diffuse, glowing color effect. This configuration activates the landscaped plaza and celebrates the entry procession by creating a visual connection between the lobby and the Data Center through an active exhibition space.

High-resolution 3-D images of the information collected at the Data Center is generated and presented at the DIVE. A 3-dimensional curving graphic wall encloses the DIVE presentational space, which houses an immersive conference center experience, capable of accommodating large presentations or smaller meetings. Illumination of the DIVE’s perimeter walls creates a lantern like effect through the very transparent southern glass exterior walls of levels two and three.

The goal of the Institute is to incorporate the expertise of different disciplines that are seen as essential to creating a successful program. The renovated facility is home to neuroscientists, mathematicians, physicists and computer scientists. The physical environment will constitute a simple but sophisticated background to elevate the multitude of conversations and discussions.