Pardee School Celebrates 10 Years with Announcement of New Signature Building
As the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University marks its 10-year anniversary, the school has announced plans for a new signature building that will serve as both a physical landmark and a symbol of its expanding role in global studies.
Set to break ground in spring 2026, the 12-story mass timber structure will be the tallest timber building in Massachusetts, making it a significant addition to BU’s Charles River Campus. Designed by the architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the 70,000-square-foot facility will replace a former parking lot at 250 Bay State Road, transforming the space into a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Beyond its striking design, the project prioritizes sustainability and connectivity. The development will introduce approximately one acre of green space, enhancing walkability and fostering a more pedestrian-friendly campus.
“We wanted to improve the flow of movement through campus—ensuring people walk through a landscape rather than between cars,” explained Sean Gallagher, an architect with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in an interview with The Daily Free Press.
A Vision for the Future
Since joining the school in 2022, Dean Scott Taylor has been focused on expanding Pardee’s impact. The new building aligns with his vision of strengthening what he calls “the three pillars of a strong educational institution”—students, faculty, and staff.
Currently, Pardee operates out of multiple buildings along Bay State Road. The new facility will consolidate the school’s offices, classrooms, and community spaces under one roof, fostering a greater sense of connection among students and faculty.
Students are already expressing excitement about the project. “The pictures look amazing,” said Pardee sophomore Tommy Cole in The Daily Free Press. “It’s going to be a great addition, bringing everything into one central space for students and faculty alike.”
Part of a Larger Campus Transformation
The new Pardee School building is a key component of BU’s Charles River Campus Institutional Master Plan, which also includes renovations to Warren Towers and other infrastructure improvements. According to Cecilia Nardi, BU’s director of community relations, the project reflects “the University’s commitment to academic engagement and providing state-of-the-art facilities for interdisciplinary studies.”
As these plans take shape, the Pardee community is celebrating its first decade with a special Anniversary Gala next month. Reflecting on this milestone, Dean Taylor emphasized the school’s commitment to honoring its past while embracing the future.
“This is a moment to recognize the incredible growth of our school over the last decade while looking ahead to what comes next,” he said.
For more information on Pardee’s 10-year anniversary celebration and to RSVP for the Gala, visit: https://pardee10year.splashthat.com/