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Imagining Art & A New Landscape
December 13, 2008
Community Room
Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct
1925 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411


Workshop Proceedings & Results
September 2009
Imagining Art & A New Landscape
A workshop exploring the landscape and art opportunities
of the urban landscape surrounding the new Urban Research
and Outreach/Engagement Center.
Led by the art and landscape team of Seitu Jones and Close
Landscape Architecture and supported by Urban Design
Perspectives (Alicia Belton) with Charles Levin Architects.
December 13, 2008
Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct,
1925 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411


Workshop Proceedings & Results
September 2009




                                                              3
Table of Contents




                                      Table of Contents
                                       1       Introduction
                                       2-3     The Workshop
                                       4-7     Workshop Results
                                       7       Evaluation Results
                                       8       Outcomes
                                                 UROC Building Renovation Predesign Concepts
                                                 Preliminary Art Recommendations

                                       Appendices (Workshop Materials)
                                               A: Invitation
                                               B: Powerpoint Presentation
                                               C: Attendees & Community Vendors




                    March 31, 2009                                       July 21, 2009                                       August 18, 2009




                    Photo by Charles Levin                               Photo by Matt Schmitt                               Photo by Matt Schmitt




                                                                         © 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

                                                                         Suggested citation:
                                                                         McClaurin, Irma and Close, Bob and Jones, Seitu. (2009). Imagining Art and a New Landscape:
                                                                         Workshop Proceedings and Results. Minneapolis, MN. University of Minnesota Urban Research
                                                                         and Outreach/Engagement Center. http://www.uroc.umn.edu/imaginingworkshop/

                                                                         Acknowledgement:
                                                                         Thank you to the following UROC staff and others in the development of this booklet:
                                                                         Hawona Sullivan-Janzen, Makeda Zulu-Gillespee, Jeanne Zimmer, Stephanie Wilkes,
                                                                         Melanie Zobeck, Alicia Belton (Urban Design Perspectives), and Charles Levin (Architect).

                                                                         The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to
                                                                         its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
                                                                         sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.

                                                                         This publication/material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to
                                                                         612-626-8839 or e-mail at uroc@umn.edu.


                                                                                                                                                                               4
Introduction
                           Dr. Irma McClaurin
                           UROC Executive Director
Photo by Patrick O'Leary


How do you bring a building to life? How do you reduce an historic divide of “them” and “us” that
has grown larger and deeper over time? How do you design space that speaks/reflects collaboration
and community? How do you build collective ownership through art and landscape? These were
some of the questions that guided the planning and implementation of a community-based workshop,
“Imagining Art and a New Landscape,” held on an early Saturday morning (8:30-noon) on December
13, 2008. The primary goal was for a group of community residents and university, city, and county
representatives, led by the art and landscape team of Seitu Jones and Bob Close, supported by
Urban Design Perspectives (Alicia Belton) with Charles Levin Architects, to explore the landscape
and art opportunities of the interior and urban environment surrounding the soon-to-be renovated
home of the first Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC), located at 2001
Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411.

The idea of UROC emerged in response to community questions, critiques, and recommendations.
Its presence in North Minneapolis reflects the University of Minnesota's commitment to
establishing a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect and driven by community-identified
needs. UROC will serve to anchor the university's presence in North Minneapolis and become a
mechanism through which university research and resources related to solving the complex issues
facing urban communities will be delivered. UROC will coordinate university research programs,
working in partnership with urban community organizations, to deliver ideas, solutions, and innova-
tion to the Northside in ways that make a difference in people’s everyday lives.

Despite the dire statistics of impoverishment, crime, and economic underdevelopment that are often
used to describe North Minneapolis, and most urban environments, we know that urban
communities are a diverse set of neighborhoods that are rich in expertise, cultural diversity, and
vision. These facts are proven by the ideas and recommendations that flowed from the workshop,
and are presented herein.




                                                                                                      1
Workshop Designers and Facilitators
The Workshop




                                           Seitu Jones                           Bob Close
                                           Artist                                Close Landscape Architecture
               Photo by Tobechi                              Photo by Tobechi
               Tobechukwu                                    Tobechukwu




               The concept of hosting a workshop focusing on art and the
               landscape at the new University of Minnesota Urban Research and
               Outreach/Engagement Center facility quickly gained traction after
               Dr. Irma McClaurin, UROC Executive Director, initially proposed it.
               Her goal of using the site and building to literally and symbolically
               extend the mission of the program beyond the walls of the
               facility and into the surrounding community had immediate
               appeal. A flyer was prepared to invite representatives of the
               neighborhood as well as allied professionals to the event (see
               appendix A). The energy and enthusiasm present at the workshop
               is a testament to the interest in working collaboratively to make
               this project more than a simple renovation.
                                                                                       Photo by Stephanie Wilkes

               The workshop began with an introduction by Dr. McClaurin to
               UROC’s mission and the goals of the workshop. This was followed
               by a powerpoint presentation (see appendix B) that introduced
               “themes” to be explored during the workshop and stimulate
               creative thinking about the integration of art into the building and
               site design. Following the powerpoint, the group subdivided into
               four working groups, each with an assigned theme to explore. The
               four themes were:
                    Stewardship and Ecology
                    Culture and Symbolism
                    Gardening and Sustainability
                    Art and Architecture

                                                              The groups were asked to brainstorm, following standard ground
                                                              rules that no idea is a bad idea. A facilitator was present at each
                                                              table to record comments and help keep the discussions flowing.
                                                              The sub-groups spent about an hour brainstorming a wide range of
                                                              ideas, sometimes listing them, and sometimes drawing on or
                                                              attaching colored post-it notes to the scale models that were
                                                              present at each table. Ideas led to other ideas and there was a lot
                                                              of energy in the room. Following a short break, the entire group
                                                              reconvened to “hear back” from each group. The enthusiasm and
                                                              innovative thinking were readily apparent as team spokespeople
               Photo by Stephanie Wilkes                      presented the panoply of ideas that were generated.


          2
The brainstorming ideas were then categorized by the four
thematic groupings (see pages 4-7). The design team reviewed all
the ideas and discussed approaches for integrating the most
appropriate concepts into the site and architectural design. Some
of the ideas will be incorporated within the existing commitment
to integrate art into functional aspects of the renovation, other
ideas will require additional funding. We anticipate that
community artists will be engaged for some of this work, as
the building renovation budget permits.

There were a number of recurring themes that emerged from
more than one team during the workshop; the UROC facility
should:

     • be open and accessible for all users, including children
     • give added importance to the pedestrian and bicycle user
     • reflect community values and cultural diversity
     • demonstrate stewardship throughout the site
     • become a “green” building and site
     • create beautiful places for people
     • integrate interpretation into the architecture and landscape
     • connect cultures and generations
     • invite the community to participate in the artistic expression
     • provide gardens for food and plants
     • celebrate natural systems and make them visible
     • create an educational place

The design team has begun to make preliminary
recommendations to the university on how to integrate art into
the redevelopment project (see page 8); the site plan has already
been modified in direct response to workshop input (see page 8),
reconfiguring parking to include a much more gracious area for
landscaping, stormwater management, and public art at the front
of the site, between the sidewalk, and parking lot. In addition,
the facade of the building and the central atrium have also been
identified as prime locations to integrate art.




Photos by Stephanie Wilkes


                                                                        3
I. ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Workshop Results



                   • General Principles                                               • Create an exoskeleton (external structure
                       o Integrate art early in the design process – not                system) on the building to facilitate
                         as an afterthought                                             incremental growth and support vines on
                       o Create an icon or destination at UROC                          building face
                   • Concepts and Building Themes                                     • Light wells to bring light into the structure
                       o Reflect Community/Be accessible to Community             o Interior
                           • Images of Northside faces (of residents, etc.)           • In kitchen, use tile infused with cultural
                           • Integrating signifiers or symbols of the                   symbolism
                             neighborhoods in the Northside                           • Bathroom doors – artistic handles
                           • Patio should be accessible to community                  • Curved icons or sculpted surfaces
                           • Child-friendly                                           • Entryway/reception
                           • Fully accessible (ADA)                                         • Mosaic tile on floor and/or walls
                           • Interpret connections between the                              • Culture & symbolism
                             Mississippi River and Theo-Wirth Park                          • Artwork and sculptures on walls and
                       o Movement/Circulation                                                 in hallways and office spaces
                           • Stacked parking                                                • Large tropical plants
                           • Parking lighting                                               • Well-designed brochure rack to avoid
                           • Fewer lights, more art/sculpture with lighting                   junky flyer look
                             integrated                                           o Rear of Building
                           • Contextual art from the perspective of:                  • Peaceful sitting area
                                 • Pedestrian                                         • Patio block pathway infused with cultural
                                 • Vehicles                                             symbolism – messages
                                 • Transit – bus stop                                 • Shrubs (colorful/shading)
                           • Bike racks – advocate more bike commuting                • Rock garden/sculpture
                       o The Tower                                                    • Waterfall from top of roof
                           • In Tower                                             o Light/Lighting
                                 • Screens for video, images                          • Use lighting to keep art visible at night
                                 • Enclosed in glass                              o Water/Stormwater
                           • Create a sculptural clock tower in analog                • Chutes and ladders water filtration system
                             form as a teaching tool like the Fair School             • Roof to water-well to supply the fountain
                       o Pavings                                                  o Educational Art/Energy
                           • River walkway (concrete) from street to                  • Bicycle-generated electricity (energy room –
                             building                                                   educational opportunity)
                           • Benches, river stones along the path                     • Alternative energy sources
                       o On the Building/Architectural Expression/                    • Solar panel
                         Building Details                                             • Forestry – trees
                           • Windows and Doors                                        • Sundial or celestial structure
                                 • Use tinted coloring on glass
                                 • Use cultural symbolism integrated          II. CULTURE AND SYMBOLISM
                                   into elements
                           • Contrast with the horizontal scale of the        • Cristo Rey Jesuit High School example is good
                             building (verticality)                             precedent
                           • Light walls that reflect and guide the sun       • Community, collaboration, welcoming – sets a tone
                           • For the banding around the building, use lots    • Carpeting and tile are good for intrepretation
                             of color and texture, dimension, and whimsy      • Big Brothers and Sisters on University Avenue is an
                           • 8 ft. signage space around top of building –       important precedent because of the concern
                             interpretive potential                             that the university will not represent the folks in the
                           • Use art work infused with cultural symbolism,      community
                             well-lighted to be viewed at night               • Culture and symbolism can be represented in the
                           • Lighting on roof                                   building, parking lot, sidewalk to the building and to
                           • Solar energy                                       the back of the building
              4
• Symbols such as the (African) ANKH – use set of                light – Fencing – Posts with lights – Franklin – fencing/
  symbols that represent all cultures – also that can            lighting in a neat plaza area
  grow like a sapling into a tree                              • Is there a possibility for a farmer’s market at the site?
• Reflect community demographics – 50 percent of                     o No, for profit business cannot be in UROC, and
  community is African American, 30 percent other                      maintenance is an issue
  minorities, 20 percent white                                 • The city is designing public plaza on Broadway at
• Lots of young people and older people in the                   Hawthorne Crossings
  community – opportunity to connect through                   • Use brick patterns to incorporate symbols to show
  interpretation                                                 connection to MUL, Dunwoody (perhaps the
• How can the community be co-creators, making                   tower – community context – could the tower be a
  things like tiles that can be replaced                         light, reflect)
• Invite school children, local artists to contribute          • There should be an archway over the door
• Lighting is an opportunity                                   • Incorporate sound and music
• Tile says this is what is now and this is temporary          • Engage Juxtaposition Arts, schools, youth to help design
• Use natural substances – tile, carpeting, recycled           • Create gathering spaces
  materials                                                    • It would be nice to have fountain – make the building
• Gateway Project – 38th and Chicago on Bloomington              come alive
     o Artist went into the community and worked               • Patio in back, on the south side of the building
       with folks                                              • Seating medallions
     o Pattern throughout the site – seating cubes             • Master community garden spaces in the rear –
       inside and outside – Stone Arch Bridge                    plant winter (evergreen plants), aromatic (lavender),
• Replaceable medallions                                         sage, herb garden – artistically designed to reflect
• Park and Rec example – history on the walls –                  different cultures and their use of herbs, and a place
  pictures, documents – Preserve the changing history            where you can grab healing recipes
  of the Northside on a wall or series of banners like         • Artistic drains
  the light rail                                               • Hmong New Year is today and so some important
• History of Plymouth Ave                                        people are not present
     o Jewish, now largely African American                    • Ask communities, if there is one herb that is
     o Completely transformed by race riots in late 1960s        important in your culture what would it be?
     o “We knew who we were” video – get a copy                • Use sculpture
     o Brochin's in St Louis Park is an excellent source       • Respect our Feng Shui
       of Jewish history in the community                      • People should be invited to the landscape on all
     o Historical society, libraries, photographs                sides of the building
     o Everyone worked together – the story should             • If there is an opportunity to regain more green space
       be told                                                   on the boulevard – North – bring cultural symbols to
     o Use Plymouth as the focus                                 the front
     o Use the history department at the university and        • Symbols at driveways
       schools that have a public history program              • How do we incorporate water – without increasing
     o Extend to River Parkway – show where jobs were            electricity and waste?
• Band at top of building can capture words, symbols,
  history (images), that reflect waves like wider example      III. GARDENING AND SUSTAINABILITY
• Integrative point – inclusive
• Where there is green, think about seating stone –            • Food production at rear of building
  have them “sit in the environment”                           • Food processing facility
• Use the bus stop for interpretation and think about          • Rear of building – active, educational growing area
  the area around the shelter (for example, the                    o Teach people how to do this in your own
  trash cans can be artistically designed)                           backyard
• Need encroachment permit from the city to move                   o Learn about foods of other cultures
  bus shelter                                                      o Link this to local schools – programs for kids
• Create a complementary shelter plaza area – inviting,            o Year-round as well – learn how to winter garden
  stress human comfort                                             o Link to Arboretum
• Artistic lighting on building, in parking lot, and natural       o Outdoor deli in summer – maybe one or two
                                                                     days a week                                     5
o Also opportunity to have food gardens in the         IV. STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY
           former street alignments (Newton or Oliver) to
           connect to the neighborhood                          • People commented about having covered bike racks
         o Work together to create recipes from different       • A green roof is probably not possible given budget
           cultures – cookbook – maybe each year a                and weight restrictions, but it will be explored
           different culture would be highlighted               • Parking requirements depend on the number of
         o Demographics – lots of seniors here and lots of        people that will gather in the multi-use space
           young – can connect generations with gardening       • Winter interest should be thought about when
         o Important to test/renovate/restore soils –             picking plant species
           another learning experience                          • Food in the building, and garden space outside
         o Can part of site be other plants/nursery?            • There will be nutrition and master gardener
           Bittersweet, redtwig dogwood – the nurseries           Extension programs in residence at the new UROC
           would buy them                                         building
         o Also growing things on the walls of the building     • Stormwater must be handled and expressed
    • Create a downspout that celebrates the water falling        somehow
      from the roof                                             • Stormwater as a demonstration
    • Permeable pavement – perhaps a somewhat lower             • Pedestrians should be the priority, not the
      drainage area in the parking lot and one crosses it on      automobile
      a symbolic (or literal) bridge to enter the site?         • Could the parking be divided into to two lots with
    • Harvesting water for the gardens – from the roof or         a pedestrian promenade/spine down the center?
      parking lot                                               • The public sidewalk could bend into the site to get
    • Master Gardeners – create a partnership of                  pedestrians closer to the front door and to
      gardening programs with churches, schools                   experience the site
         o Learning gardening skills can lead to job creation   • The site should celebrate large rainfalls, especially
    • In the front – demonstration/rain gardens                   water from the roof
         o Devote front to public art and maintainable          • Cisterns could be used for water storage which could
           growing sites – artwork can “tell the story”           then be used as irrigation water
         o Front garden should be a showplace                   • Rainwater from the roof could be stored and used to
         o Plants could be for sale for residents to use          make sounds/music
         o Gardening is infectious - Create a gardening         • Could the street on the south side be donated by the
           “virus” that spreads through the community”            city and become part of the UROC site for
    • Need places to sit along this linear garden                 gardening?
    • Encourage seniors and children to pick a flower –         • The university should explore “livable communities”
      appeal to all the senses                                    grants
    • Seating in the active garden – symbolic links back to     • Trees on-site should be tagged with species
      neighborhood                                                information and become part of an educational piece
    • Responsive to Feng Shui                                     of the site
    • Fish ponds?                                               • Paver grates and turf should be used for overflow
    • Don’t forget about trees                                    parking areas
    • Winter interest (and edible crabapples for jams, etc.)    • Garden areas should be raised for easy access
    • “Harvesting from home”                                    • The parking lot should function as a plaza when not
    • Hose bibs all sides of the building                         filled with cars
    • Harvest rainwater on all four sides                       • The boulevard could be widened and used as a
    • Bus shelter                                                 bioswale or small pond to treat stormwater
         o Etched glass
         o Kids’ art between panes of glass – changeable
    • Can the parking lot be split into two with pedestrian
      walkway between (there are two entry drives)?




6
Evaluation Results




                                                                                                               Evaluation Results
Four months after the conclusion of the workshop Imagining Art and a New Landscape, participants
were asked to respond to a survey. Almost 50 percent of the 30 participants gave their assessment
of the community engagement event. Those who responded offered an overwhelmingly positive
description of the experience.
   “Spontaneous and invigorating.”
   “Very enjoyable and concrete.”
   “The right length of time . . .”
   “It was very helpful to see what
   people thought.”

Those attending included community residents, of whom some represented non-profit organizations.
Three people identified themselves as community activists, three as local artists, and two as gardeners.
Almost all of those responding learned somewhat or a great deal through their participation.
Motivations for attending the workshop included a concern and commitment to their community,
a desire to be involved in the process of design for the UROC building and grounds, curiosity, and
wanting to learn more.
Answers to a set of questions about participants’ perceptions of UROC and the University showed that
while the majority of respondents’ opinions didn’t change, the responses of those who did change their
perceptions indicated a positive shift.
The survey also asked about the best way to inform the community of future UROC events; it would
seem that e-mail was one of the most effective means for letting people know about the event,
although two people found out from a flyer, and one from a newspaper ad.
Respondents indicated UROC needs to work even harder to get the word out to the community
about its events. They suggested more radio promotion, ads in more newspapers, and one person
wrote at length:
  “Flyers need to be accessible. Perhaps putting them up on telephone poles, in Cub
  where many of the residents shop, contacting the different block leaders to get the
  word out. Make sure there are fliers up in the local barbershops and beauty shops.”

Finally, two respondents mentioned sending notices to religious organizations (church bulletins,
mosques, temples) and targeting community organizations and their information networks.
UROC will be using this information in future event planning and in the development of its strategic
communications plan.
Survey responders also suggested that a broader range of voices needs to be at the table for future
events. The additional voices they suggested included youth and teens; seniors; other cultural
groups such as American Indian, Asian, Latino, and East African; immigrants; faith-based and other
organizations; and businesses.
More than half of those responding said that attending the workshop introduced them to new people
or organizations. They were evenly divided as to whether the event helped them to strengthen existing
relationships. One person, who found the relational aspect of the event important and whose words
sum up the overall response to the workshop, wrote:
   “Working together in a non-competitive workshop to impact the community we all
   care about allows for us to respect each other’s differing values a little more.”

To see the survey questions and analysis of results, please visit:
http://www.uroc.umn.edu/imaginingworkshop/
                                                                                                           7
UROC Building Renovation Predesign Concepts
Outcomes


           The ideas that flowed from the workshop have already influenced some of the predesign concepts
           for the site. Below are two images that reflect the original predesign concept and a current predesign
           rendering that builds on many ideas from the workshop. In the current predesign rendering, the shape
           of the parking lot has been altered to invite the community into the space, and more green space has
           been reclaimed in the front. Note that these images do not reflect the final design and details.


           Predesign Concept as of                              Predesign Rendering as of
           November 2008 — pre-workshop                         April 2009 — post-workshop




           Urban Design Perspectives with Charles Levin Architects



           Preliminary Art Recommendations
           The renderings below build upon the visions of the workshop participants. Please note that
           these are recommendations only, and must be vetted through filters of cost, budgets, timing,
           maintenance issues, and feasibility.




           Seitu Jones                                                 Seitu Jones




       8
Appendix A: Invitation
UROC
Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center


imagining art & a new landscape
A workshop exploring the landscape and art opportunities of the urban landscape surrounding
the new Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center




                          Saturday, December 13, 2008 8:30 AM-12:00 PM
                      Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct Community Room
                                      1925 Plymouth Avenue North
                                         Minneapolis, MN 55411

North Minneapolis residents, businesses, and friends are invited
to a workshop to share ideas and visions for the use of art in the Urban Research and
Outreach/Engagement Center building and the surrounding landscape. The University of
Minnesota has hired Alicia Belton of Urban Design Perspectives with Charles Levin Architects, and
a team that includes Close Landscape Architecture and visual artist Seitu Jones, to help plan and
design the building and site at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North.

This workshop will be an opportunity for community members, Northside artists, and gardeners to
share their ideas with the design team, UROC staff, and engaged University faculty. The design
team has identified specific opportunities where community members can be engaged in the
creation of artistic elements and landscape features. Using maps, plans, and 3-D models, the team
will lead participants in an exercise to visualize design elements to be considered for the Urban
Research and Outreach/Engagement Center building and the surrounding landscape, and, to
imagine ideas could be used at home or in their own neighborhood. No experience or expertise in
design is required. Breakfast foods, healthy snacks and beverages will be provided. Please bring
your inspiration to this workshop.
Limited Space Available; Registration Requested by December 8, 2008: uroc@umn.edu or
(612) 626-UROC/626-8762

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
To request disability accommodations, please contact UROC at uroc@umn.edu or 612.626.8762.



                                                                                                    9
imagining art & a new landscape
Appendix B: Powerpoint



                              imagining art & a new landscape

                                                                                                       Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
                                                                                                       Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center



                            close landscape architecture+         I    urban design perspectives       I     charles levin architects           I      seitu jones, artist

                            Photos by Seitu Jones and Bob Close




                         culture & symbolism                                                       Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
                                                                                                   Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center



                           close landscape architecture+      I       urban design perspectives    I       charles levin architects         I       seitu jones, artist
Presentation




                  10
11
gardening & sustainablity
     bringing community together | using available space
     urban learning environment




         using available space




12
art & architecture




                     13
stewardship & ecology
     managing stormwater | art & flowing water
     creating habitat | natural, easily maintained landscapes




14
Workshop Attendees




                                                                                                                       Appendix C: Attendees
Participant                      Organization
Brett Bauer                      Hennepin County Property Services
Connie Beckers                   Northside Arts Collective
Alicia Belton                    Urban Design Perspectives
Barbara Bergeron                 Willard Homewood Organization
Bob Close                        Close Landscape Architecture, Workshop Co-organizer
Beverly Cottman                  Northside Arts Collective, Willard Homewood Organization
Raymond Dehn                     Northside Residents Redevelopment Council
Ben Erickson                     Close Landscape Architecture
Archie Givens                    Owner's Representative
Christopher Harrison             Harrison Art Studio
Ni Ora Hokes                     Plymouth Avenue Green Team
Seitu Jones                      Public Art Consultant, Workshop Co-organizer




                                                                                                                       & Vendors
Tom Leighton                     City Planner, City of Minneapolis
Charles Levin                    Charles Levin Architects
Irma McClaurin                   Executive Director, Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
Michael Newmann                  Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota
Marylynn Pulscher                Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, JD Rivers Children's Garden
Andrew Roberts                   Community Resident
Beverly Roberts                  Homewood Studios
George Roberts                   Homewood Studios
James Robin                      Close Landscape Architecture
Douglas Snyder                   Mississippi Watershed Management Organization
Hawona Sullivan Janzen           Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
Craig Taylor                     University of Minnesota, Center for Innovation and Economic Development, Office of
                                 Business and Community Economic Development
Tobechi Tobechukwu               Studiotobechi
Deborah A. Torraine              Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota
Stephanie Wilkes                 Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
Makeda Zulu-Gillespie            Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center
Nothando Zulu                    Plymouth Avenue Green Team, Northside Arts Collective
Karen Zumach                     Tree Trust


Community Partners & Vendors
               The Bean Scene                                            Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct
               Linda Baker                                               Community Room
               1101 W. Broadway                                          1945 Plymouth Ave N
               Minneapolis, MN 55411                                     Minneapolis, MN 55411
               612-76-ROAST                                              (612) 673-5704
                                                                         karen.bjornstad@ci.minneapolis.mn.us

               StudioTobechi                                             Asian Media Access
               Tobechi Tobechukwu                                        Ange Hwange
               2500 Washington Ave N                                     3028 Oregon Ave. S
               Minneapolis, MN 55411                                     Minneapolis, MN 55426
               612-216-4967                                              612-376-7715
               info@studiotobechi.com                                    angehwang@amamedia.org
                                                                                                                      15
612-626-UROC (8762)
uroc@umn.edu
www.uroc.umn.edu

September 2009

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Imagining Art and a New Landscape

  • 1. Imagining Art & A New Landscape December 13, 2008 Community Room Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct 1925 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411 Workshop Proceedings & Results September 2009
  • 2. Imagining Art & A New Landscape A workshop exploring the landscape and art opportunities of the urban landscape surrounding the new Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center. Led by the art and landscape team of Seitu Jones and Close Landscape Architecture and supported by Urban Design Perspectives (Alicia Belton) with Charles Levin Architects. December 13, 2008 Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct, 1925 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411 Workshop Proceedings & Results September 2009 3
  • 3. Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2-3 The Workshop 4-7 Workshop Results 7 Evaluation Results 8 Outcomes UROC Building Renovation Predesign Concepts Preliminary Art Recommendations Appendices (Workshop Materials) A: Invitation B: Powerpoint Presentation C: Attendees & Community Vendors March 31, 2009 July 21, 2009 August 18, 2009 Photo by Charles Levin Photo by Matt Schmitt Photo by Matt Schmitt © 2009 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. Suggested citation: McClaurin, Irma and Close, Bob and Jones, Seitu. (2009). Imagining Art and a New Landscape: Workshop Proceedings and Results. Minneapolis, MN. University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center. http://www.uroc.umn.edu/imaginingworkshop/ Acknowledgement: Thank you to the following UROC staff and others in the development of this booklet: Hawona Sullivan-Janzen, Makeda Zulu-Gillespee, Jeanne Zimmer, Stephanie Wilkes, Melanie Zobeck, Alicia Belton (Urban Design Perspectives), and Charles Levin (Architect). The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation. This publication/material is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to 612-626-8839 or e-mail at uroc@umn.edu. 4
  • 4. Introduction Dr. Irma McClaurin UROC Executive Director Photo by Patrick O'Leary How do you bring a building to life? How do you reduce an historic divide of “them” and “us” that has grown larger and deeper over time? How do you design space that speaks/reflects collaboration and community? How do you build collective ownership through art and landscape? These were some of the questions that guided the planning and implementation of a community-based workshop, “Imagining Art and a New Landscape,” held on an early Saturday morning (8:30-noon) on December 13, 2008. The primary goal was for a group of community residents and university, city, and county representatives, led by the art and landscape team of Seitu Jones and Bob Close, supported by Urban Design Perspectives (Alicia Belton) with Charles Levin Architects, to explore the landscape and art opportunities of the interior and urban environment surrounding the soon-to-be renovated home of the first Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC), located at 2001 Plymouth Avenue, Minneapolis 55411. The idea of UROC emerged in response to community questions, critiques, and recommendations. Its presence in North Minneapolis reflects the University of Minnesota's commitment to establishing a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect and driven by community-identified needs. UROC will serve to anchor the university's presence in North Minneapolis and become a mechanism through which university research and resources related to solving the complex issues facing urban communities will be delivered. UROC will coordinate university research programs, working in partnership with urban community organizations, to deliver ideas, solutions, and innova- tion to the Northside in ways that make a difference in people’s everyday lives. Despite the dire statistics of impoverishment, crime, and economic underdevelopment that are often used to describe North Minneapolis, and most urban environments, we know that urban communities are a diverse set of neighborhoods that are rich in expertise, cultural diversity, and vision. These facts are proven by the ideas and recommendations that flowed from the workshop, and are presented herein. 1
  • 5. Workshop Designers and Facilitators The Workshop Seitu Jones Bob Close Artist Close Landscape Architecture Photo by Tobechi Photo by Tobechi Tobechukwu Tobechukwu The concept of hosting a workshop focusing on art and the landscape at the new University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center facility quickly gained traction after Dr. Irma McClaurin, UROC Executive Director, initially proposed it. Her goal of using the site and building to literally and symbolically extend the mission of the program beyond the walls of the facility and into the surrounding community had immediate appeal. A flyer was prepared to invite representatives of the neighborhood as well as allied professionals to the event (see appendix A). The energy and enthusiasm present at the workshop is a testament to the interest in working collaboratively to make this project more than a simple renovation. Photo by Stephanie Wilkes The workshop began with an introduction by Dr. McClaurin to UROC’s mission and the goals of the workshop. This was followed by a powerpoint presentation (see appendix B) that introduced “themes” to be explored during the workshop and stimulate creative thinking about the integration of art into the building and site design. Following the powerpoint, the group subdivided into four working groups, each with an assigned theme to explore. The four themes were: Stewardship and Ecology Culture and Symbolism Gardening and Sustainability Art and Architecture The groups were asked to brainstorm, following standard ground rules that no idea is a bad idea. A facilitator was present at each table to record comments and help keep the discussions flowing. The sub-groups spent about an hour brainstorming a wide range of ideas, sometimes listing them, and sometimes drawing on or attaching colored post-it notes to the scale models that were present at each table. Ideas led to other ideas and there was a lot of energy in the room. Following a short break, the entire group reconvened to “hear back” from each group. The enthusiasm and innovative thinking were readily apparent as team spokespeople Photo by Stephanie Wilkes presented the panoply of ideas that were generated. 2
  • 6. The brainstorming ideas were then categorized by the four thematic groupings (see pages 4-7). The design team reviewed all the ideas and discussed approaches for integrating the most appropriate concepts into the site and architectural design. Some of the ideas will be incorporated within the existing commitment to integrate art into functional aspects of the renovation, other ideas will require additional funding. We anticipate that community artists will be engaged for some of this work, as the building renovation budget permits. There were a number of recurring themes that emerged from more than one team during the workshop; the UROC facility should: • be open and accessible for all users, including children • give added importance to the pedestrian and bicycle user • reflect community values and cultural diversity • demonstrate stewardship throughout the site • become a “green” building and site • create beautiful places for people • integrate interpretation into the architecture and landscape • connect cultures and generations • invite the community to participate in the artistic expression • provide gardens for food and plants • celebrate natural systems and make them visible • create an educational place The design team has begun to make preliminary recommendations to the university on how to integrate art into the redevelopment project (see page 8); the site plan has already been modified in direct response to workshop input (see page 8), reconfiguring parking to include a much more gracious area for landscaping, stormwater management, and public art at the front of the site, between the sidewalk, and parking lot. In addition, the facade of the building and the central atrium have also been identified as prime locations to integrate art. Photos by Stephanie Wilkes 3
  • 7. I. ART AND ARCHITECTURE Workshop Results • General Principles • Create an exoskeleton (external structure o Integrate art early in the design process – not system) on the building to facilitate as an afterthought incremental growth and support vines on o Create an icon or destination at UROC building face • Concepts and Building Themes • Light wells to bring light into the structure o Reflect Community/Be accessible to Community o Interior • Images of Northside faces (of residents, etc.) • In kitchen, use tile infused with cultural • Integrating signifiers or symbols of the symbolism neighborhoods in the Northside • Bathroom doors – artistic handles • Patio should be accessible to community • Curved icons or sculpted surfaces • Child-friendly • Entryway/reception • Fully accessible (ADA) • Mosaic tile on floor and/or walls • Interpret connections between the • Culture & symbolism Mississippi River and Theo-Wirth Park • Artwork and sculptures on walls and o Movement/Circulation in hallways and office spaces • Stacked parking • Large tropical plants • Parking lighting • Well-designed brochure rack to avoid • Fewer lights, more art/sculpture with lighting junky flyer look integrated o Rear of Building • Contextual art from the perspective of: • Peaceful sitting area • Pedestrian • Patio block pathway infused with cultural • Vehicles symbolism – messages • Transit – bus stop • Shrubs (colorful/shading) • Bike racks – advocate more bike commuting • Rock garden/sculpture o The Tower • Waterfall from top of roof • In Tower o Light/Lighting • Screens for video, images • Use lighting to keep art visible at night • Enclosed in glass o Water/Stormwater • Create a sculptural clock tower in analog • Chutes and ladders water filtration system form as a teaching tool like the Fair School • Roof to water-well to supply the fountain o Pavings o Educational Art/Energy • River walkway (concrete) from street to • Bicycle-generated electricity (energy room – building educational opportunity) • Benches, river stones along the path • Alternative energy sources o On the Building/Architectural Expression/ • Solar panel Building Details • Forestry – trees • Windows and Doors • Sundial or celestial structure • Use tinted coloring on glass • Use cultural symbolism integrated II. CULTURE AND SYMBOLISM into elements • Contrast with the horizontal scale of the • Cristo Rey Jesuit High School example is good building (verticality) precedent • Light walls that reflect and guide the sun • Community, collaboration, welcoming – sets a tone • For the banding around the building, use lots • Carpeting and tile are good for intrepretation of color and texture, dimension, and whimsy • Big Brothers and Sisters on University Avenue is an • 8 ft. signage space around top of building – important precedent because of the concern interpretive potential that the university will not represent the folks in the • Use art work infused with cultural symbolism, community well-lighted to be viewed at night • Culture and symbolism can be represented in the • Lighting on roof building, parking lot, sidewalk to the building and to • Solar energy the back of the building 4
  • 8. • Symbols such as the (African) ANKH – use set of light – Fencing – Posts with lights – Franklin – fencing/ symbols that represent all cultures – also that can lighting in a neat plaza area grow like a sapling into a tree • Is there a possibility for a farmer’s market at the site? • Reflect community demographics – 50 percent of o No, for profit business cannot be in UROC, and community is African American, 30 percent other maintenance is an issue minorities, 20 percent white • The city is designing public plaza on Broadway at • Lots of young people and older people in the Hawthorne Crossings community – opportunity to connect through • Use brick patterns to incorporate symbols to show interpretation connection to MUL, Dunwoody (perhaps the • How can the community be co-creators, making tower – community context – could the tower be a things like tiles that can be replaced light, reflect) • Invite school children, local artists to contribute • There should be an archway over the door • Lighting is an opportunity • Incorporate sound and music • Tile says this is what is now and this is temporary • Engage Juxtaposition Arts, schools, youth to help design • Use natural substances – tile, carpeting, recycled • Create gathering spaces materials • It would be nice to have fountain – make the building • Gateway Project – 38th and Chicago on Bloomington come alive o Artist went into the community and worked • Patio in back, on the south side of the building with folks • Seating medallions o Pattern throughout the site – seating cubes • Master community garden spaces in the rear – inside and outside – Stone Arch Bridge plant winter (evergreen plants), aromatic (lavender), • Replaceable medallions sage, herb garden – artistically designed to reflect • Park and Rec example – history on the walls – different cultures and their use of herbs, and a place pictures, documents – Preserve the changing history where you can grab healing recipes of the Northside on a wall or series of banners like • Artistic drains the light rail • Hmong New Year is today and so some important • History of Plymouth Ave people are not present o Jewish, now largely African American • Ask communities, if there is one herb that is o Completely transformed by race riots in late 1960s important in your culture what would it be? o “We knew who we were” video – get a copy • Use sculpture o Brochin's in St Louis Park is an excellent source • Respect our Feng Shui of Jewish history in the community • People should be invited to the landscape on all o Historical society, libraries, photographs sides of the building o Everyone worked together – the story should • If there is an opportunity to regain more green space be told on the boulevard – North – bring cultural symbols to o Use Plymouth as the focus the front o Use the history department at the university and • Symbols at driveways schools that have a public history program • How do we incorporate water – without increasing o Extend to River Parkway – show where jobs were electricity and waste? • Band at top of building can capture words, symbols, history (images), that reflect waves like wider example III. GARDENING AND SUSTAINABILITY • Integrative point – inclusive • Where there is green, think about seating stone – • Food production at rear of building have them “sit in the environment” • Food processing facility • Use the bus stop for interpretation and think about • Rear of building – active, educational growing area the area around the shelter (for example, the o Teach people how to do this in your own trash cans can be artistically designed) backyard • Need encroachment permit from the city to move o Learn about foods of other cultures bus shelter o Link this to local schools – programs for kids • Create a complementary shelter plaza area – inviting, o Year-round as well – learn how to winter garden stress human comfort o Link to Arboretum • Artistic lighting on building, in parking lot, and natural o Outdoor deli in summer – maybe one or two days a week 5
  • 9. o Also opportunity to have food gardens in the IV. STEWARDSHIP AND ECOLOGY former street alignments (Newton or Oliver) to connect to the neighborhood • People commented about having covered bike racks o Work together to create recipes from different • A green roof is probably not possible given budget cultures – cookbook – maybe each year a and weight restrictions, but it will be explored different culture would be highlighted • Parking requirements depend on the number of o Demographics – lots of seniors here and lots of people that will gather in the multi-use space young – can connect generations with gardening • Winter interest should be thought about when o Important to test/renovate/restore soils – picking plant species another learning experience • Food in the building, and garden space outside o Can part of site be other plants/nursery? • There will be nutrition and master gardener Bittersweet, redtwig dogwood – the nurseries Extension programs in residence at the new UROC would buy them building o Also growing things on the walls of the building • Stormwater must be handled and expressed • Create a downspout that celebrates the water falling somehow from the roof • Stormwater as a demonstration • Permeable pavement – perhaps a somewhat lower • Pedestrians should be the priority, not the drainage area in the parking lot and one crosses it on automobile a symbolic (or literal) bridge to enter the site? • Could the parking be divided into to two lots with • Harvesting water for the gardens – from the roof or a pedestrian promenade/spine down the center? parking lot • The public sidewalk could bend into the site to get • Master Gardeners – create a partnership of pedestrians closer to the front door and to gardening programs with churches, schools experience the site o Learning gardening skills can lead to job creation • The site should celebrate large rainfalls, especially • In the front – demonstration/rain gardens water from the roof o Devote front to public art and maintainable • Cisterns could be used for water storage which could growing sites – artwork can “tell the story” then be used as irrigation water o Front garden should be a showplace • Rainwater from the roof could be stored and used to o Plants could be for sale for residents to use make sounds/music o Gardening is infectious - Create a gardening • Could the street on the south side be donated by the “virus” that spreads through the community” city and become part of the UROC site for • Need places to sit along this linear garden gardening? • Encourage seniors and children to pick a flower – • The university should explore “livable communities” appeal to all the senses grants • Seating in the active garden – symbolic links back to • Trees on-site should be tagged with species neighborhood information and become part of an educational piece • Responsive to Feng Shui of the site • Fish ponds? • Paver grates and turf should be used for overflow • Don’t forget about trees parking areas • Winter interest (and edible crabapples for jams, etc.) • Garden areas should be raised for easy access • “Harvesting from home” • The parking lot should function as a plaza when not • Hose bibs all sides of the building filled with cars • Harvest rainwater on all four sides • The boulevard could be widened and used as a • Bus shelter bioswale or small pond to treat stormwater o Etched glass o Kids’ art between panes of glass – changeable • Can the parking lot be split into two with pedestrian walkway between (there are two entry drives)? 6
  • 10. Evaluation Results Evaluation Results Four months after the conclusion of the workshop Imagining Art and a New Landscape, participants were asked to respond to a survey. Almost 50 percent of the 30 participants gave their assessment of the community engagement event. Those who responded offered an overwhelmingly positive description of the experience. “Spontaneous and invigorating.” “Very enjoyable and concrete.” “The right length of time . . .” “It was very helpful to see what people thought.” Those attending included community residents, of whom some represented non-profit organizations. Three people identified themselves as community activists, three as local artists, and two as gardeners. Almost all of those responding learned somewhat or a great deal through their participation. Motivations for attending the workshop included a concern and commitment to their community, a desire to be involved in the process of design for the UROC building and grounds, curiosity, and wanting to learn more. Answers to a set of questions about participants’ perceptions of UROC and the University showed that while the majority of respondents’ opinions didn’t change, the responses of those who did change their perceptions indicated a positive shift. The survey also asked about the best way to inform the community of future UROC events; it would seem that e-mail was one of the most effective means for letting people know about the event, although two people found out from a flyer, and one from a newspaper ad. Respondents indicated UROC needs to work even harder to get the word out to the community about its events. They suggested more radio promotion, ads in more newspapers, and one person wrote at length: “Flyers need to be accessible. Perhaps putting them up on telephone poles, in Cub where many of the residents shop, contacting the different block leaders to get the word out. Make sure there are fliers up in the local barbershops and beauty shops.” Finally, two respondents mentioned sending notices to religious organizations (church bulletins, mosques, temples) and targeting community organizations and their information networks. UROC will be using this information in future event planning and in the development of its strategic communications plan. Survey responders also suggested that a broader range of voices needs to be at the table for future events. The additional voices they suggested included youth and teens; seniors; other cultural groups such as American Indian, Asian, Latino, and East African; immigrants; faith-based and other organizations; and businesses. More than half of those responding said that attending the workshop introduced them to new people or organizations. They were evenly divided as to whether the event helped them to strengthen existing relationships. One person, who found the relational aspect of the event important and whose words sum up the overall response to the workshop, wrote: “Working together in a non-competitive workshop to impact the community we all care about allows for us to respect each other’s differing values a little more.” To see the survey questions and analysis of results, please visit: http://www.uroc.umn.edu/imaginingworkshop/ 7
  • 11. UROC Building Renovation Predesign Concepts Outcomes The ideas that flowed from the workshop have already influenced some of the predesign concepts for the site. Below are two images that reflect the original predesign concept and a current predesign rendering that builds on many ideas from the workshop. In the current predesign rendering, the shape of the parking lot has been altered to invite the community into the space, and more green space has been reclaimed in the front. Note that these images do not reflect the final design and details. Predesign Concept as of Predesign Rendering as of November 2008 — pre-workshop April 2009 — post-workshop Urban Design Perspectives with Charles Levin Architects Preliminary Art Recommendations The renderings below build upon the visions of the workshop participants. Please note that these are recommendations only, and must be vetted through filters of cost, budgets, timing, maintenance issues, and feasibility. Seitu Jones Seitu Jones 8
  • 12. Appendix A: Invitation UROC Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center imagining art & a new landscape A workshop exploring the landscape and art opportunities of the urban landscape surrounding the new Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Saturday, December 13, 2008 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Minneapolis Police Department 4th Precinct Community Room 1925 Plymouth Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 55411 North Minneapolis residents, businesses, and friends are invited to a workshop to share ideas and visions for the use of art in the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center building and the surrounding landscape. The University of Minnesota has hired Alicia Belton of Urban Design Perspectives with Charles Levin Architects, and a team that includes Close Landscape Architecture and visual artist Seitu Jones, to help plan and design the building and site at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North. This workshop will be an opportunity for community members, Northside artists, and gardeners to share their ideas with the design team, UROC staff, and engaged University faculty. The design team has identified specific opportunities where community members can be engaged in the creation of artistic elements and landscape features. Using maps, plans, and 3-D models, the team will lead participants in an exercise to visualize design elements to be considered for the Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center building and the surrounding landscape, and, to imagine ideas could be used at home or in their own neighborhood. No experience or expertise in design is required. Breakfast foods, healthy snacks and beverages will be provided. Please bring your inspiration to this workshop. Limited Space Available; Registration Requested by December 8, 2008: uroc@umn.edu or (612) 626-UROC/626-8762 The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. To request disability accommodations, please contact UROC at uroc@umn.edu or 612.626.8762. 9
  • 13. imagining art & a new landscape Appendix B: Powerpoint imagining art & a new landscape Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center close landscape architecture+ I urban design perspectives I charles levin architects I seitu jones, artist Photos by Seitu Jones and Bob Close culture & symbolism Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center close landscape architecture+ I urban design perspectives I charles levin architects I seitu jones, artist Presentation 10
  • 14. 11
  • 15. gardening & sustainablity bringing community together | using available space urban learning environment using available space 12
  • 17. stewardship & ecology managing stormwater | art & flowing water creating habitat | natural, easily maintained landscapes 14
  • 18. Workshop Attendees Appendix C: Attendees Participant Organization Brett Bauer Hennepin County Property Services Connie Beckers Northside Arts Collective Alicia Belton Urban Design Perspectives Barbara Bergeron Willard Homewood Organization Bob Close Close Landscape Architecture, Workshop Co-organizer Beverly Cottman Northside Arts Collective, Willard Homewood Organization Raymond Dehn Northside Residents Redevelopment Council Ben Erickson Close Landscape Architecture Archie Givens Owner's Representative Christopher Harrison Harrison Art Studio Ni Ora Hokes Plymouth Avenue Green Team Seitu Jones Public Art Consultant, Workshop Co-organizer & Vendors Tom Leighton City Planner, City of Minneapolis Charles Levin Charles Levin Architects Irma McClaurin Executive Director, Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Michael Newmann Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota Marylynn Pulscher Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, JD Rivers Children's Garden Andrew Roberts Community Resident Beverly Roberts Homewood Studios George Roberts Homewood Studios James Robin Close Landscape Architecture Douglas Snyder Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Hawona Sullivan Janzen Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Craig Taylor University of Minnesota, Center for Innovation and Economic Development, Office of Business and Community Economic Development Tobechi Tobechukwu Studiotobechi Deborah A. Torraine Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota Stephanie Wilkes Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Makeda Zulu-Gillespie Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center Nothando Zulu Plymouth Avenue Green Team, Northside Arts Collective Karen Zumach Tree Trust Community Partners & Vendors The Bean Scene Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct Linda Baker Community Room 1101 W. Broadway 1945 Plymouth Ave N Minneapolis, MN 55411 Minneapolis, MN 55411 612-76-ROAST (612) 673-5704 karen.bjornstad@ci.minneapolis.mn.us StudioTobechi Asian Media Access Tobechi Tobechukwu Ange Hwange 2500 Washington Ave N 3028 Oregon Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55411 Minneapolis, MN 55426 612-216-4967 612-376-7715 info@studiotobechi.com angehwang@amamedia.org 15