Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center
In Collaboration with Charles Levin Architects
“Engaging Community”
How do you bring a building to life? How do you reduce an historic divide between “them” and “us” that has grown larger and deeper over time? How do you design space that speaks/reflects collaboration and community? How do you build collective community between art and landscape? These were some of the questions that guided the planning and implementation of the community-based workshop called “Imagining Art and A New Landscape” for UROC.
The mission of the Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center links the University of Minnesota in vital public partnership with urban communities to advance learning, improve quality of life, and discover breakthrough solutions to critical problems. Completed in 2010, the 22,000 square foot facility is a hub for collaborative research and problem solving as well as a bridge for engaged teaching and learning. Formerly an underutilized strip mall, the building was renovated into a model for collaborative work environment. University staff, conference facilities, an art gallery, teaching Kitchen and flexible office space is housed in the building. As a beacon for community gathering, it has fulfilled its name of being a center for education, dialogue and cultural events.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Size: 20,000 sf
Photographer: Matt Schmidt
Environment — Repurposed a strip mall into an academic research and collaborative workplace.
Equity — Meditation space for all to use throughout the day; Welcome window graphics reflect various cultures; Various types of workspaces and conference options.
Economic Impact — Project Goals Achieved 24.1% MBE , 5.3% WBE; Construction Value WMBE 38% (26 Firms).
