in 2009, the media lab expanded into a new building (e14) designed by pritzker prize-winning japanese architect fumihiko maki. the local architect of record is leers weinzapfel associates, of boston. the , six-story building features an open, atelier-style, adaptable architecture specifically designed to provide the flexibility to respond to emerging research priorities. high levels of transparency throughout the building's interior make ongoing research visible, encouraging connections and collaboration among researchers. the two buildings are closely interconnected on several levels, allowing free movement between interior spaces.