Minneapolis College of Design, University of Minnesota

Articulating interior and exterior spaces, the CALA expansion promotes campus activity and pedestrian circulation while unifying both schools on campus. The addition is two overlaid L-shaped masses which include a library, auditorium, office, seminar and studio space. The addition is a complement and counterpoint to an existing building by Thorshov and Cerny. While this building is centralized and homogeneous, the addition offers peripheral views and morphological multiplicity. The existing is centripetal, with right angles framing four views onto the same court; the addition is centrifugal, with obtuse angles opening to exterior landscapes. In compliment to the horizontal existing building, the arms of the addition end in vertical elevations, bracketing “shafts of space” and activating the campus.