Meets Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines (B3)

One of the Twin Cities’ largest colleges, Metropolitan State University welcomes a diverse population of urban, non-traditional, and first generation college students to continue their education. Over the years, increasing enrollment in the University’s science programs led to cramped labs and want for faculty and student research spaces. With BWBR, Metro State built a new flexible, sustainable facility whose space will open up possibilities for future science and technology programs.

The new facility puts science on display while folding seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood’s hillside. From rooftop solar panels with real-time energy production measurements to landscaping that supports native plants and micro ecosystems, nearly every building component represents a learning experience in sustainability.

Throughout the building, hi-tech and active learning fuse with traditional research. Labs support hands-on simulations and house unique pieces of observational equipment, such as a chamber for monitoring insect flight behaviors. Within the classrooms, mobile furniture layouts adapt to each professor’s unique teaching style and allow student groups to learn in real-time, together. Student and faculty’s latest discoveries are highlighted in glass showcases along the broad corridors. The completed facility diversifies the University’s science-related programs and attracts students to engage in the next generation of scientific exploration.