Shepherd Laboratories, College of Science and Engineering Phase II Renovation

University of Minnesota

Following BWBR’s Phase I renovation of the Shepherd Laboratories’ first and second floors in 2018, supporting the University of Minnesota’s leading robotics programs, the team partnered with the University again to renovate the third, fourth, and fifth floors. As part of the College of Science & Engineering, the building houses classrooms, labs, makerspaces, and collaboration areas for a range of STEM fields. With goals of creating contemporary, adaptable teaching and research space and providing organic opportunities for collaboration, the project updates both learning and gathering areas to better meet the needs of students and researchers. The design is a continuation of Phase I, aligning the upper floors with the rest of the facility with fresh aesthetics and engaging learning spaces, completing the grand transformation of the 1960s facility.

New hands-on research labs for the Minnesota Robotics Institute and programs including virtual reality and computer science, as well as materials research and student labs for Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, are designed to support cutting-edge innovation, highly technical materials and equipment, and robust building systems needed for safe function. A minimal palette showcases the active nature of the work taking place, utilizing wood accents for warmth and vibrant blue to distinguish collaboration zones and work areas. Exposed ceilings showcase the inner workings of the building, glazing with film throughout the interior helps balance transparency with privacy, and the addition of new exterior windows more than double the amount of light coming into the facility.

Project partners: Auromira Architects, Dunham Associates, ESI Engineering, Palanisami & Associates, Inc., Total Lighting Designs, Inc., Knutson Construction (Construction Manager at Risk)