About This Location
The Ray and Maria Stata Center, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a remarkable academic building designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry. This 720,000-square-foot structure is a testament to Gehry's innovative architectural style, which has garnered him international acclaim, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize.
Frank Gehry's work is highly regarded in contemporary architecture, and his designs have left an indelible mark on the field. Some of his other notable projects include the Louis Vuitton Foundation building in France, the New World Center in Florida, 8 Spruce Street in New York City, and the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas.
The Stata Center was made available for initial occupancy on March 16, 2004. Upon its completion, architecture critic Robert Campbell of The Boston Globe provided a positive review. Campbell noted that the building's unique design deliberately gives the impression of being unfinished and on the brink of collapse. The structure features tilting columns, swerving walls, and a blend of various materials such as brick, steel with mirrored surfaces, brushed aluminum, and brightly colored paint. This intentionally irregular appearance serves as a metaphor for the creativity, freedom, and daring research that the building houses.
While many admire the Stata Center's distinctive design and consider it one of Gehry's best works, there are others who hold a less favorable opinion of the structure.
Today, the Ray and Maria Stata Center is home to several MIT departments, including the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy.
The Stata Center's location in Cambridge offers various parking options for visitors. There is metered parking available right in front of the Strata Center on Vassar Street. Additionally, you can find free parking in front of the nearby McGovern Institute. For those seeking a parking lot, the MIT Visitor Parking Lot is a convenient choice, with rates of $11 for two hours and up to $32 per day.