Burnsville Semiconductor Facility Expansion

Collins Aerospace

Expanding a 30-year-old campus to accommodate innovative testing and manufacturing needs, the facility addition for Collins Aerospace (formerly United Technologies Corp. ) brings a unique wind tunnel testing laboratory and clean fabrication space for commercial and defenses aerospace products. The clean fabrication space expands the campus’ ability to produce proprietary components for critical external aircraft systems and sensors while the wind tunnel simulates the high speeds and high altitudes in which the sensors operate.

Accommodating an accelerated design schedule, the design team worked closely with the wind tunnel manufacturer to develop specific space for the equipment, which was designed on a parallel track with the space. The team also created a sound-attenuating design to protect adjacent areas from the vibration and noise of the wind tunnel.

Part of a master plan for the next decade, designers teamed with employees to determine materials and forms that bring the corporation’s identity to life, creates an appealing aesthetic for residential neighbors, and protects green space to provide employees a connection to the surrounding natural environment.