NASA Buildings 4220 and 4221
The Challenge
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama, needed to replace outdated, early 1960s-era office facilities with modern, energy-efficient buildings.
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Client
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
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Location
Huntsville, Alabama
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Size
150,000 square feet each
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Distinguishing Features
- Outdoor timeline installation showcases the history of the Marshall Space Flight Center
- Energy-efficient upgrades that led to Building 4221 winning the 2020 Green Globes Project of the Year
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Awards
- 4220: LEED Silver and two Green Globe Certifications
- 4221: LEED Silver and three Golden Globe Certifications; 2020 Green Globes Project of the Year
The Design Solution
Buildings 4220 and 4221 are both 150,000-square-foot, five-story office buildings that complement the historic aesthetic of MSFC while providing collaborative office spaces and amenities for the modern workplace. They include large atrium gathering spaces, open office areas, conference rooms, collaboration spaces, and more.
NASA’s goal was to consolidate engineers who were used to working in isolated offices into an operationally efficient, collaborative space. The buildings were also designed to help in attracting and retaining the brightest and best professional engineers.
The buildings’ exteriors provide a showpiece for the campus while keeping aesthetics in line with the existing buildings. Exterior glass and metal elements reflect NASA branding and site positioning created vistas of the campus greenway. A communal courtyard provides outdoor space where visitors can learn more about the history of NASA and MFSC through an interesting timeline installation.
Project Images
The Design Impact
Buildings 4220 and 4221 were the first major replacement buildings within the main administrative complex. Designed to be energy- and operationally efficient, they are dual-certified with the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Building Initiative. Sustainable features include solar photo-voltaic panels, HVAC energy recovery units, a rainwater collection cistern supplying irrigation water, and more.
