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MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Historic Building 20 |
Sad but true. MIT's famous Building 20 is history. It has been torn down. With a suitably equipped browser you can see the demolition crane in action through the magic of lapsed-time photography. (24 MB, 2 minutes, 40 seconds; can be viewed in QuickTime, MoviePlayer, Sparkle, or a similar program). First went D Wing, then E Wing, followed by A Wing and B Wing (images taken March 2 - 24, 1999, from high up on Building 54, by UROP students Jesus Orihuela, Jake Beal, Grant Emery, and Brian Perrin, working with Prof. Seth Teller).
The former Building 20, constructed in 1943, cast a spell over those who worked in it. Many former occupants have noted the magical power of the building to bring out the best from those in it, and the very real feeling that this was a special, even a unique, place. At the same time it served as a breeding ground, or incubator, of many research areas, of the minds of its students, and of new organizations. Many MIT laboratories and centers had their origins in Building 20, or else were formed by people who had spent years there.
More about this unique building -- its history and its place in the hearts and souls of its inhabitants. Still more about this building from the MIT Archivists.
Former denizens of Building 20 were encouraged to share with others their feelings about the building, or an anecdote, or a story about some of its colorful characters, or in general how their experiences there have helped shape their later years. Read what they have said.
A celebration of the current Building 20 took place March 26-27, 1998. This was a reunion for those who have lived in the building during the decades since its erection in 1943, a celebration of all the diverse activities that have gone on in the "plywood palace," and a chance to reflect on how many great activities, at MIT and elsewhere, had their humble beginnings there.
More information about this event, including an invitation, the program, a registration form, and a list of those who attended.
MIT is planning to erect a complex of buildings on the site of the former Building 20. The new center, to be named in honor of Ray and Maria Stata, will include the William H. Gates Building and the Alexander Dreyfoos Building.