University of Minnesota, Barbara Barker Center for Dance Structural Engineering
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAt the University of Minnesota's new Barbara Barker Center for Dance, creative structural engineering underlies the building's leaping form. Throughout this project, the engineers used a strategy of readily made standard materials with innovative adaptations to create an entirely novel architectural form. In order to resist unbalanced lateral gravity loads induced by the unusual structure, braced frames using wide flange beams at the floor levels and steel tube diagonals, were custom designed to be applied on either side of the studio space. In translating the architect's challenging design, the engineers developed sophisticated visualization techniques using the computer program Form Z. To facilitate rapid design, the engineers and architects established gridlines and critical workpoints to define the structure in three dimensions. In any dance building, considerations of performer safety and vibration are critical. The engineers recessed the portion of the structure supporting the second and third floor rehearsal studios to accommodate sprung floors that were an absolute Owner requirement. On today's urban campuses such as the University of Minnesota, the design/build process delivers buildings that are often functional and appropriate for their contexts. But, given the realities of budgets, few campus projects convey the structural diversity and rich forms of the Barbara Barker Center for Dance. Lauded by Minnesota architectural critics and the regional dance community, the Center serves as a model for future engineering students that effective structural design can work to bring out the best in architectural possibilities.