SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture Addition or Renovation,
Special Citation

University of Minnesota, Duluth for the James I Swenson Civil Engineering Building with Ross Barney Architects


Photo by Kate Joyce Studios



Photos by Kate Joyce Studios

Click on images above for larger view
 

The Swenson Civil Engineering Building at the University of Minnesota Duluth is a state-of-the art facility for the new civil engineering program. It includes 35,300sf of space for instruction, research, administration, structural and hydraulics laboratories.

Goals were to attract future students, encourage the study of civil engineering, and ensure success of the new program. The building showcases structural and mechanical processes and stormwater management techniques. It is a working classroom where design plays an integral educational role, and civil engineering processes are illuminated.

Other goals were to mark the north entrance into campus with an outward focus; improve indoor and outdoor circulation; encourage interaction, collegiality, and collaboration; and create a sustainable facility within budget and schedule.

Locally available raw, natural, unaltered building materials provide the basis for sustainability and serve as a teaching tool.

The jury said, “ . . . fun, clean and has color . . . love the public gestures this building makes in several locations . . . they got a very special building which will make them know their profession (civil engineering) is special . . . ”

“This building has truly become a showpiece of the new civil engineering program on campus. Students, faculty and staff are understandably proud of the space,” says Gregory R. Fox, vice chancellor for finance and operations.

The programmatic and technological needs drove design goals and directives and open, flexible spaces provide opportunities for large gatherings. Incorporating operable partitions and a bi-fold door facilitated moving equipment, and enables the loading area to serve the entire building.

As a facility whose curriculum directly impacts the natural environment, the building helps teach sustainable principles to civil engineers.

Project Team: University of Minnesota, Duluth with Ross Barney Architects; also SJA Architects; Oslund and Associates; MSA Professional Services; MBJ Inc.; Dunham; Hallberg Engineering; Stahl Construction