Retirement Systems of Minnesota Garden Court
St. Paul, MinnesotaThe State of Minnesota Retirement Systems Building located in St. Paul was built to combine several State retirement agencies in one location. The 4-acre campus is comprised of the new building, adjacent parking structure, visitor's surface parking lot, dining terrace and a Garden Court. Located in a business park north of the State Capitol, it serves as a place for state employees to plan, manage and store their estate information for many years into the future. The State of Minnesota Division of State Building Construction, which reviewed the design process, requested a "fun" place for staff to go outside and relax during their lunch hour. The Garden Court located outside of the main atrium and dining terrace was designed to express this request for "fun" and provide a means for relaxation. The strong, classic form of the building and its axial relationship through the atrium to the State Capitol provides the Garden Court's setting. Two contrasting themes are carved into this setting. A strong architectural form is symbolized by the straight, dark, bluestone path. In contrast, a light, meandering, limestone wall and steps, exemplifies our friends and relationships. These two elements are then woven into a strong grid of Linden trees that works as an extension of the classical language of the building. During temperate months of the year it serves as a place of refuge, providing an intimate space for staff during their busy workday. Its southern exposure helps to maximize use in early spring and late fall. Staff members can sit on the limestone walls or on conveniently placed teak benches throughout the garden. Through the winter months the Garden Court becomes a strong piece of landscape art as the sun playfully dances across the snow covered, undulating lawn separated by the serpentine wall, as viewed from the building above.