University of Minnesota | Landscape Arboretum

This new Visitor’s Center for the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is fully integrated with the existing building in a compatible architectural vocabulary. The facility contains the Great Hall that with an exquisite heavy timber exposed structure that serves as an event and also an entrance space.

In addition, classrooms, large conference hall, a visitor dining facility and a generous gift shop and bookstore complete the functions. The space is intended to orient the visitor, the vast array of interest areas at the Arboretum and it is also intended to carefully blend interior and exterior spaces as visitors exit for their tour and as they return.

The complex is carefully articulated to orchestrate natural daylight and it also incorporates a substantial geothermal heating system in order to effectively reduce fuel costs.

Industry: Higher Education