The original Media Lab was designed by I. M. Pei in 1985, and planning for its extension began in May 1998. The new complex was conceived as an antithesis to the traditional research building: instead of a cube behind iron curtains and steel doors, Maki wanted to turn it inside out, like an ‘invisible man’ model.

With floor-to-ceiling glass atop Corbu-referenced pilotis, all insides can now be seen -- from one lab to another, as well as from the street into the ground floor exhibitions. Photo 2 of 12 in New MIT Media Lab Opens Doors by Tiffany Chu

New MIT Media Lab Opens Doors

2 of 12

The original Media Lab was designed by I. M. Pei in 1985, and planning for its extension began in May 1998. The new complex was conceived as an antithesis to the traditional research building: instead of a cube behind iron curtains and steel doors, Maki wanted to turn it inside out, like an ‘invisible man’ model.

With floor-to-ceiling glass atop Corbu-referenced pilotis, all insides can now be seen -- from one lab to another, as well as from the street into the ground floor exhibitions.