Integration and Discovery
MSL is helping to bring about a culture shift at Langley by bringing related groups of people together in a collaborative environment. Labs are modular, flexible, adaptable, and can communicate with other labs, buildings, and Centers. Like research was grouped and/or combined. Office space is connected and open. Formal and informal meeting spaces are spread throughout the building and landscape. Stairs are glassy, providing a connection to nature and the campus, and promoting their use. Outside, a shaded pedestrian (and bike‐friendly) pathway is a key element in supporting and reinforcing the connectivity and walkability of the campus core.

MSL is a layered, linear mass driven by existing trees, adjacent buildings, and research needs. The historic Langley campus is characterized by low red brick buildings, white research structures, mature trees, and nearby wetlands. The building materials introduced for MSL, terracotta and metal rainscreens with glass curtainwalls, create a cohesive environment, marrying the old and new. To minimize site impact and maximize the area available for future related development, the MSL footprint was reduced by extending the building to five stories.

NASA’s work is awe inspiring – MSL incorporates artifacts and elements of their culture. Wind tunnel fan blades became an elevator lobby screening element, a ‘Systems of Measurement’ frieze and a glass lens and mirror display were designed, perforated metal panels reference laser tables, and touches of dichroic glazing (developed by NASA for use in helmets, spacecraft windows, and in their laser research) were incorporated throughout.

Sustainability and Energy
MSL is elevated above the 500‐year flood plain and situated to exploit the site and enhance campus adjacencies. It is oriented along the east/west axis of the pedestrian Spine, optimizing its solar exposure. A south-facing clerestory improves daylighting of workspaces; minimal glazing on the north reduces heat loss during the winter. Native species plantings and urban bioretention basins extend along the building facades, and areas of pavement were limited to control site runoff. Two existing specimen trees on site were protected as a part of this project.

The concentration of laboratories and cleanrooms required a holistic approach to energy and resources including spatial buffering, high‐performance glazing, exterior shading, lighting controls, low‐flow fixtures, no irrigation, campus utility tie‐ins with a waste‐to‐energy system, BAS controls, and energy recovery systems.