'MISSISSIPPI RIVER CENTER'
Drawing inspiration from the millraces that powered the nearby flour mills, the Mississippi River Center aims to provide a place for the public to learn more about the unique and historic site through imitating the form and experience of a millrace.
Situated in the heart of St. Anthony Main, Father Hennepin Park has a rich history of human interaction and intervention on behalf of industry. The nearby Pillsbury A-Mill was once the largest flour mill in the world, powered by a large millrace that scooped water from the Mississippi River and into a channel, before dropping it several stories back to the river below. This millrace is one of the most transformative elements on the site, and also serves as the driving force behind the Mississippi River Center.
Everything from the building's materials (limestone, steel, and wood) to its form can be traced back to the millrace. The building funnels people off of Main Street, channels them into exhibition and performance spaces, before dropping them down to the riverfront below, where they can learn more through classes, enjoy a meal, or take a kayak out into the site. Just like water in the millrace, people are transformed by moving through the building, becoming more intimate with the site as a result.
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Year: 2018
Type: Studio Project
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