Minneapolis, MN
2010
VJAA Architecture
Travis Van Liere / Coen + Partners
Paul Crosby Photography

Travis Van Liere and VJAA worked with the Walker Art Center to transform its green backyard into a new entry and cultural commons. The new space celebrates the creative assets and collective knowledge that abounds in the Twin Cities. Initiated with a design community charette, the newly transformed courtyard was the site of Open Field, a multi-year experiment on participation and public space. Summertime events included Rock-the-Garden, a concert with 10,000attendees, a series of large-scale art installations, classes and programs for all ages, and a neighborhood space with free Wi-Fi access. The space provides Walker with long-term site improvements in addition to new program areas.

Structural components were developed to organize the site. A corten steel ‘raft’ was created with trees and benches for informal gatherings, classroom activities, evening films, and other projected media. An entry court, or ‘harbor,’ was established for educational programming, a summertime grill, and a wintertime ice bar. Remediation of the existing roof below created accommodation for emergency vehicles and resolved existing site lighting and drainage issues.