Client:

University of Minnesota Duluth

Architects:

Stanius Johnson Architects, Inc.; Ross Barney Architects

Engineers:

Meyer, Borgman & Johnson, Inc.; MSA Professional Services; Affiliated Engineers

Contractors:

Max Gray Construction, Inc.; M.A. Mortenson

Consultant:

Oscar J. Boldt Construction Co.

Category:

Public Design

Embracing the scientific idea that seeing is critical to understanding, the University of Minnesota Duluth sought to integrate ideas of transparency, interior/exterior relationships, and a working outdoor laboratory into usable, engaging spaces at the Swenson Science Building.

Featuring two outdoor courtyards, the landscape complements the building’s open, transparent architecture. The upper courtyard, located in the northwest elbow of the building, serves as a gathering and contemplative space and is bordered by a grove of deciduous trees, a seat wall and internally lit cubes made of perforated metal. The lower courtyard features a two-tiered experimental garden pool functioning as a destination for stormwater runoff. The upper tier of the pool features a water garden with a special emphasis on wild rice cultivation, a difficult practice given that wild rice must be cultivated in a very specific and delicate environment. The landscape architect worked very closely with tribal representatives as well as faculty to gain access to specimen wild rice plants. Using stormwater runoff, water will be circulated from the lower pool to the upper pool to maintain the water flow necessary for wild rice. Both courtyards take cues from the unique north woods landscape that surrounds Duluth to tie the building in with its outdoor space and to the overarching northern Minnesota native ecosystem. The landscape is highlighted by extremely complex components integrated into a visually simple, clean result.