Nancy Joyce, Richard Sobol This stunning, lavishly illustrated book chronicles the entire planning and construction process of the Frank Gehry-designed Ray and Maria Stata Center at MIT. Taking us from the historical background and architectural context of MIT through the interaction of the clients needs and the architects vision to the choice of building materials and construction methods, Building Stata offers a uniquely detailed look at the evolution of a major work by a master architect. The purpose of the Stata Center is to bring the intelligence sciences - computer science, artificial intelligence, information and decision systems, linguistics and philosophy - together into a space that emphasises research-focused collaboration. Frank Gehrys design integrates flexible and interconnected workspaces and incorporates a series of steps from public to private space, with places for social and intellectual interaction on lower levels giving way to space for study and contemplation on the upper floors; thus a two-level warehouse-like space is topped by two towers. The Center is wrapped around a series of outdoor terraces visible from a central court in both towers.