The Bakken Museum*
The Bakken Museum - housed in the home of Earl Bakken, founder of Medtronic - is located along Lake Calhoun. The museum desired to shift their focus from exhibits to flexible classrooms that can engage their summer campers and events.
The renovation involved carefully assessing existing systems to maximize the ceiling height and strengthen the simple modern renovation.
*Project completed while working for RSP Architects. In 2019, Katie served as project architect for the Bakken Museum Remodel under the direction of the Principal Architect and in collaboration with the Project Manager. Phase 1 of the remodel involved extensive removal of finishes and relocation of existing utilities in the 1990’s lower level addition. The new interior offers a clean, modern and flexible series of spaces. The simplicity of the resulting design conceals the acrobatics of integrating new systems into and around existing infrastructure.
Project Photos
Before
After
Shifted entry to align with new reception desk.
Central reception desk to clearly delineate the lobby from the 'black box' gallery.
Relocated gift shop to former vestibule to increase visibility and daylighting.
Simple reframing at openings to increase daylight in lobby.
Project Role
Katie collected photos and documentation of the existing structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. She drafted these in the 3D virtual model to direct the design of the architecture and coordinate engineering systems. Some project challenges included low head heights, in-floor radiant heating tubes, roof drain pipes, a 2’x4’ cast-in-place concrete beam, and much more. In each problem, Katie worked within the team to find solutions and detail each condition to preserve the design intent.