Ray and Maria Stata Center

Completed in 2004, the Stata Center is Frank Gehry's contribution to MIT's remarkable architectural collection. The building houses the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy. Its colliding, tilting forms in brushed aluminum and brick appear to defy gravity and convention — walls lean at odd angles, columns seem randomly placed, and no two surfaces are parallel. Inside, the deliberately unconventional spaces are meant to foster chance encounters and creative collaboration.

• 1.Walk around the entire building — every angle looks different
• 2.The lobby and ground-floor café are open to visitors on weekdays
• 3.Best photographed from Vassar Street or the Student Center side
• 4.Combine with MIT campus walking tour
• 5.Architecture fans should see all five MIT landmark buildings