Minneapolis Public Service Building

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Standing in stark contrast to the\nstately yet opaque granite buildings of Minneapolis\u2019 Government District, the\ncity\u2019s new Public Service Building proposes a contemporary alternative to civic\ndesign. Developed through a close partnership with the city and other public\nadvocates, the building\u2019s openness demonstrates how public spaces can better\nreflect the communities they serve. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The project began in 2017, when\nMinneapolis sought to develop a new Public Service Building near City Hall that\nwould update the city\u2019s critical systems and operations and provide a\ncontemporary face for public service. Wrapped in a soaring aluminum and glass\nfacade, the building stands as a welcoming beacon in the quad. Each of its\nfrontages is unique because of the double-height pockets that are carved into\nthe building, breaking up its massing. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Ease of access helps draw the public\nin, with nearby bus and light-rail stations servicing the building. A large\nfeature stair in the entry foyer is a grand public space that, while not\nphysically connected to the square outside, is visually linked to life on the\nstreet. Overarching themes of transparency and connection continue throughout\nthe interior, even as it transitions from an open-to-all space to a secured\nworkplace. Levels three through 10, which house its office floors, gather 10\ncity departments and more than 1,200 city employees in one building. Once\nscattered across various buildings, the employees are treated to daylit\nworkspaces, quiet spaces for personal time, improved air quality, and a\nconference space, cafe, and terrace on the top floor. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In a government building that requires\nheightened security, the design still supports an open and airy environment\nthroughout. The building\u2019s concept does not take precedence over employee\nneeds, and there are ample spaces for group and private work. Through the open\nnature of all of the building\u2019s floors and stairwells, light is drawn deep into\nits core, further connecting employees to the outdoors. The expansive terrace\nthat crowns the building also offers sweeping views of downtown Minneapolis and\nits twin city, St. Paul. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Recognizing that\ncommunity-centric design must support an interwoven society and democratic\naccess to city infrastructure, the design team reimagined the building\u2019s\nconnection to Minneapolis\u2019 famed second-floor skyway system, which allows\nresidents to walk in climate-controlled comfort throughout the city\u2019s harsh\nwinters. A large stair on the building\u2019s ground floor serves the skyway,\ncreating a highly visible access point. In emphasizing the link to the system,\nthe building erases the separation between street and skyway pedestrians,\nconnecting them both more deeply to the city. "]]]]}