Green Building

The Green Building is a concrete structure at the university with multiple floors and a distinctive brutalist exterior featuring recessed panels and expansive blank sections. Inside are research laboratories, classroom spaces, and weather monitoring equipment on the roof that tracks atmospheric conditions.

Renowned architect I. M. Pei designed and completed this university building in 1964 as part of the campus expansion plan. Its construction reflected contemporary architectural ideals and the growing importance of research facilities at the institution.

The building is home to researchers studying Earth, atmospheric phenomena, and planetary science. Walking past the laboratory windows, you can glimpse the active scientific work happening inside, reflecting the institution's focus on understanding our planet and beyond.

The building is easily spotted from outside due to its distinctive brutalist design and stands prominently on campus. The interior research areas are generally not open to casual visitors, but you can view the exterior and appreciate its architectural style from the surrounding walkways.

The building hosts two informal student traditions: a yearly pumpkin drop from the roof and a staircase climbing competition. These unofficial events have become part of the campus culture and draw students each year.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1964

Architects: I. M. Pei

Architectural style: brutalist architecture

Part of: campus of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Website: https://calendar.mit.edu/building_54

GPS coordinates: 42.36040,-71.08910

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06