SGA celebrates completion of design and installation of the Vertex Skybridge at 22 Drydock

Boston, MA SGA, a leader in architecture, interior design, master planning, and virtual design and construction (VDC), celebrates the successful design and installation of the Vertex Skybridge, an engineered pedestrian connection linking Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Leiden Center 1 and Leiden Center 2 at 22 Drydock Ave, in the city’s waterfront. Installed on January 31, 2026, the Skybridge strengthens connectivity across Vertex’s research and manufacturing campus.

Spanning approximately 98.5 feet in length and 14 feet in width, the passage is positioned roughly 33 feet above the roadway and connects the third floors of both facilities. A defining feature of the project is its Design for Disassembly (DfD) approach, intentionally designed and engineered with mechanical, non-permanent interfaces that allow it to be removed, reused, or reconfigured without demolition or damage to the adjacent buildings. This strategy preserves both the architectural expression and structural integrity of Leiden Centers 1 and 2 and enables their seamless restoration to independent, autonomous buildings, whether for single or multi-tenant use. In doing so, the DfD strategy reduces material waste, supports sustainability objectives, and ensures the bridge remains an adaptable infrastructure element rather than a permanent constraint on future development.

In a significant milestone for the project, SGA secured unanimous approval from the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) following an extensive entitlement process, including several meetings and presentations with city agencies such as the Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC). As one of the few pedestrian bridges approved in Boston, the Vertex Skybridge represents a rare achievement in urban connectivity and infrastructure. 

“From the outset, the Skybridge was conceived as more than a connector,” said Joseph Mamayek, AIA, design principal at SGA. “We focused on creating an adaptable, high-performance element that could respond to evolving operational needs while maintaining architectural precision. By designing for disassembly, we ensured the connection could evolve over time – supporting sustainability goals without compromising the integrity of the buildings it serves.”

Constructed by Consigli Construction, the Skybridge reflects a highly coordinated effort to deliver a complex, elevated connection within a dense urban environment. SGA’s design prioritizes safety, efficiency, and sustainability, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of the South Boston Innovation District while reinforcing Vertex’s commitment to scientific advancement and patient care.