MIT Building 20 was a legendary structure on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, renowned for its remarkable contributions to science and technology despite its humble appearance. Constructed hastily in 1943 during World War II, it was intended as a temporary facility to house the Radiation Laboratory (Rad Lab), which was pivotal in developing radar technology for the Allied forces. After the war, rather than being demolished, Building 20 became a makeshift space for a diverse array of research groups, academic departments, and student activities. Its temporary status and unassuming wooden construction allowed occupants the freedom to modify and adapt the space to their needs. Walls could be knocked down, and equipment could be installed with little bureaucratic oversight, fostering an environment ripe for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The building became an incubator for numerous significant developments: • Physics and Electronics: The Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) made strides in microwave and semiconductor technology. • Linguistics: Noam Chomsky conducted his groundbreaking work in transformational-generative grammar here, fundamentally changing the field of linguistics. • Computer Science and Hacking Culture: The Tech Model Railroad Club, located in Building 20, was influential in the early days of computing. Members experimented with circuitry and programming, contributing to the origins of hacker culture. • Music and Acoustics: The building housed the MIT Acoustics Laboratory, where advancements in acoustical engineering were made. The informal atmosphere and physical flexibility of Building 20 are often credited with enabling the creativity and collaboration that led to these breakthroughs. It became a symbol of MIT’s innovative spirit, demonstrating how an unconventional space could foster significant scientific and technological advancements. In the late 1990s, Building 20 was demolished to make way for the Ray and Maria Stata Center, designed by architect Frank Gehry, which officially opened in 2004. Despite its demolition, the legacy of Building 20 endures as a case study in how the physical environment can impact innovation. Its story continues to influence architectural and organizational approaches in academic and research institutions worldwide. ## Notable Residents Building 20 at MIT was home to a diverse array of researchers, faculty members, and student groups. In addition to those previously mentioned, several notable individuals and organizations had offices or conducted significant work there: • Claude Shannon: Known as the father of information theory, Shannon worked at the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) in Building 20. His pioneering work laid the foundation for digital circuit design and modern computing. • Harold “Doc” Edgerton: A professor of electrical engineering, Edgerton developed high-speed photography and stroboscopic light techniques in his lab within Building 20. His innovations allowed for the capture of events occurring at microsecond intervals. • Jerome Lettvin: A neuroscientist and professor, Lettvin conducted groundbreaking research on neural processes. Along with his colleagues, he authored the influential paper “What the Frog’s Eye Tells the Frog’s Brain” while working in Building 20. • Amar Bose: Before founding the Bose Corporation, Bose was a professor in MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering. He conducted important acoustics research in Building 20 that contributed to advancements in sound system technology. • Morris Halle: A significant figure in the field of linguistics, Halle worked alongside Noam Chomsky in Building 20. Together, they made substantial contributions to the development of generative grammar. • Laboratory for Nuclear Science (LNS): Early research in nuclear science and engineering was carried out here, contributing to advancements in particle physics and related fields. • MIT Radio Society (W1MX): This amateur radio club had its facilities in Building 20, providing a space for students and faculty interested in radio technology and communications. • Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC): Military training programs had offices in Building 20, supporting students involved in the ROTC. • Student Clubs and Activities: The building’s flexible space accommodated various student organizations, including clubs focused on electronics, photography, and model railroading. The unstructured and adaptable nature of Building 20 allowed these individuals and groups to modify their spaces freely, fostering an environment ripe for innovation. This led to significant advancements across multiple disciplines, reinforcing the building’s legacy as a cradle of creativity and collaboration at MIT. Yes, Marvin Minsky was indeed associated with MIT’s Building 20. As one of the founding fathers of artificial intelligence, Minsky co-founded the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI Lab) in 1959 alongside John McCarthy. The AI Lab was initially housed in Building 20, providing a collaborative environment for pioneering research in AI. In the informal and adaptable spaces of Building 20, Minsky and his colleagues worked on groundbreaking projects in machine learning, robotics, and cognitive science. The building’s flexible infrastructure allowed for easy modifications, fostering an atmosphere conducive to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Minsky’s time in Building 20 was instrumental in advancing the field of artificial intelligence and establishing MIT as a leading institution in AI research. I believe you’re referring to Seymour Papert. Yes, Seymour Papert was indeed associated with MIT’s Building 20. He was a pioneering mathematician, computer scientist, and educator who made significant contributions to artificial intelligence and educational technology. Alongside Marvin Minsky, Papert co-founded the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI Lab) in 1959, which was initially housed in Building 20. In this innovative environment, Papert conducted groundbreaking research on how children learn and how computers can be used as educational tools. Papert is best known for developing the programming language Logo, designed to teach children programming concepts and enhance their problem-solving skills through interactive learning. His work laid the foundation for constructionist learning theory, emphasizing learning through exploration and creation. The adaptable and collaborative atmosphere of Building 20 allowed Papert and his colleagues to pursue interdisciplinary research freely. This environment was instrumental in advancing both artificial intelligence and new educational methodologies, cementing Papert’s legacy as a transformative figure in these fields. ## About the Stata Center Former occupants of MIT's Building 20 have shared a variety of perspectives when comparing the old structure to its replacement, the Ray and Maria Stata Center. Building 20 was known for its unassuming appearance and highly adaptable interior, which many felt fostered a unique environment for creativity and innovation. Researchers could modify their workspaces freely—knocking down walls, drilling holes, and reconfiguring spaces without the constraints of formal architectural design or administrative oversight. In contrast, the Stata Center, designed by architect Frank Gehry and opened in 2004, is a striking and unconventional building with complex geometries and a focus on aesthetic appeal. Some former Building 20 occupants have expressed that the new building's intricate design and formal structure make it less adaptable for spontaneous modifications. They argue that the flexibility of Building 20 was instrumental in enabling interdisciplinary collaboration and serendipitous discoveries, and that the Stata Center's more controlled environment might inhibit that freewheeling spirit. For example, the open labs and shared spaces in Building 20 allowed for easy interaction among different research groups, something that some feel is harder to replicate in the Stata Center due to its segmented layout. The ease of customizing spaces in Building 20 meant that researchers could quickly adapt their environment to suit evolving project needs, a level of flexibility that is more challenging in a meticulously designed building like the Stata Center. However, others have pointed out that the Stata Center provides state-of-the-art facilities, better resources, and a more comfortable environment overall. The modern infrastructure supports advanced technological needs that were difficult to meet in the aging Building 20. Some appreciate the investment in a building that reflects the cutting-edge nature of the work being done inside. In summary, while the Stata Center offers significant advancements in facilities and technology, some former occupants of Building 20 feel that it lacks the informal, adaptable atmosphere that once fostered a remarkable period of innovation at MIT. The comparisons highlight a broader conversation about how physical spaces can influence collaboration, creativity, and the pursuit of groundbreaking research.