Bringing new ideas to life

In about eight weeks, an 18,000 sf high-tech metal-and-glass innovation center will be substantially completed in the former cafeteria in the heart of Wheatley Hall on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Boston.

The construction has been managed so well that most don’t even know its underway. When we take people on tours of the work in progress, their jaws drop. Its so different, most say, so well, like UMass Boston we want to see.

What better symbol of the institution’s transformation than a place that celebrates its visionaries? They are the team-builders, risk-takers and change-makers in our midst. You know them well. They are the ones who see things differently. The ones driven by passion to make a big difference. The ones who don't worry about current resources or fuss about who gets what since there will be plenty for all. You can praise them or vilify them, but you can’t ignore them. Because they are creating the future of the university.

And now, finally, they have a place to call their own, a home away from home. Its called the Venture Development Center (VDC). What will they do in this place? Last year, we gathered thirty-five visionaries to ask this question. Our architect, world-renowned Sasaki Associates Inc., listened carefully:

• The group wanted a place with raw edges to reflect our urban roots yet abundant with amenities, one that would delight their colleagues at the bench and in the boardroom.
• They wanted a place with advanced yet easy to use technology that enables any-time, any-place collaboration.
• They wanted a place insulated from daily business where they can experiment with what works and doesn’t without disturbing their current workspace.
• They wanted a place where their partners from industry and other research organizations can work side-by-side with them for an extended time.
• They wanted blazing fast electronic connections to manipulate and visualize large data sets.
• They wanted a place to relax, in a coffee bar or bookstore like atmosphere where they can informally discuss.
• They wanted a secure, private place to repair to think and reflect.
• And they also wanted professional support, so good they wouldn’t mind paying for it.

The resulting program gives them what they want, and more. The design features:

• Four small group collaboration spaces for teams to develop plans and proposals.
• One large presentation space for video conferencing and presentations.
• Six labs - two with with fume hoods and two without, and two dry labs, for experimenting with ideas, proving concepts.
• Ten temporary offices for individual work.
• A display area for receptions and showcasing work.
• A lounge and terrace for relaxing while enjoying stunning views of the harbor.

Want a visiting scientist to be with you for a while? Want to present research results to a very important group? Want to have a reception impress donors or sponsors? No problem.

Visions need a great process to realize their potential. That is where our team of professionals come in. You excel on the technical side, we excel on the execution side, the stuff you feel kind of lost trying to deal with. As part of your team, we work with you to assemble everything you need to be successful. We help you rapidly experiment with what works and doesn't, build support, and mobilize resources. When you succeed so do we.

The VDC itself was a vision only a few years ago. It is the kind of bold innovation we help you bring about in your own areas.

So, send us the visionaries. The ones who see abundance. The future of the university depends upon it.