Minnesota State University, Hagen Hall Renovation and Science Lab Addition
Moorhead, MinnesotaThe science programs at MSU Moorhead were formerly housed in a variety of buildings around campus that were limited by their lack of flexibility and adaptability, and suffered from inadequate ventilation, power, and technology systems. HGA's design created a unified home for the sciences that expresses their mission and celebrates hands-on learning. The renovated Hagen Hall contains laboratories, classrooms, and offices for the departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Technology. The design of the addition respects the alignment of adjacent buildings, which define the main campus quad. The exterior is clad in brick and stone, similar to neighboring buildings in an effort to integrate the new addition into the campus context. Large areas of glass on the south side seek to draw students in, while creating sun-filled gathering spaces that look out onto the mature landscape of the central campus. The 82,600 SF building addition was programmed to house the most technically demanding laboratory spaces, utilizing a planning module and floor-to-floor height more generous than that available in the original 1960's building. The 86,000 SF existing building was renovated into less technically demanding spaces, such as administrative and departmental offices, small classrooms and technology laboratories. A vertical interstitial zone between the new and old was incorporated to reconcile differing floor elevations. HGA designed this project in association with the local architect, Foss Associates.