Normandale Community College, West Entry Plaza
Bloomington, MinnesotaHGA's Landscape Architects and Civil Engineers collaboratively addressed the design challenge - to reflect the natural beauty of Minnesota geological formations within a drop-off destination, teaching tool and welcoming entry to this metro community college. The elements include warm hues of southern Minnesota limestone, granite from St. Cloud that creates a Zen-like rock garden, green diopside, jasper and glossy black hissingrite from northern Minnesota. This cascading river of color flows down onto the plaza between two semi-circular, colored concrete seatwalls. Red rusted colors of banded taconite and jasper with plantings of birch and balsam fir evoke a North Shore feeling. Finally, a path of Virginia, MN slate flagstone and steps wind their way along the slope and up to the science door. Well-placed lighting accentuates these features during the evening hours and creates a strong sense of security for students and staff. Welcome to Normandale Community College.