Henning Larsen tried to break with the opaque granite architecture of Minneapolis’ Government District by creating an inviting and transparent public building.
The design, in collaboration with Minneapolis-based MSR Design, started with an open glass and aluminum facade. Double height pockets are carved out to break the mass. Each elevation has its own distinct character.
“By deliberately designing for openness and connection, we hoped to help foster a renewed sense of community trust and partnership within the city.”
- Michael Sørensen, Design Director and Partner at Henning Larsen
A large stair, fitted with planters and wooden benches, creates an inviting public plaza, visually linked to the street with floor-to-ceiling glazing.
The building unites 10 city departments with over 1,200 employees that were previously scattered over the city.
The architects gave special attention to transit spaces, where communicating stairs in double-height spaces create the conditions for chance meetings that can extend into the breakout spaces placed on the landings.
“The best civic spaces are not judged by the amenities they provide or the facilities they contain, but by what they encourage the people they serve to achieve. Transparency of mission and public trust in institutions will be fundamental as the City of Minneapolis begins to craft their new collective, reflective and pluralistic course for the future – we hope the new Public Service Building can be an anchor for this.”
- Michael Sørensen, Design Director and Partner at Henning Larsen
