The City of Minnetonka began a long-envisioned transformation of Ridgedale, an area in the northern portion of the city that features several retail and mixed-use residential complexes gathered around the Ridgedale Center mall. Their vision was to create identity and a pedestrian-friendly, walkable hub of activity for residents and visitors alike.
The Biodesign Institute at ASU
Designing a profound connection to the natural world.
The scientists at the Biodesign Institute at ASU reimagine the “design rules” found in nature and create their bio-inspired solutions for global needs. Researchers here have discovered new answers to the world’s most challenging problems with nature-inspired solutions, like a diagnostic that more precisely detects breast cancer, a $1 “lab on a chip” that can be used to detect Zika in developing countries or a nanorobot that seeks and destroys a tumor’s blood supply.
Their mission was central to the design inspiration for the outdoor spaces connecting the Institute to the ASU Tempe campus, in which all spaces and elements were designed to restore, reconnect and immerse the scientists and students in natural elements.
Location
Tempe, Arizona
Landscape Architect
TRUEFORM
Kornegay Products
Architect(s)
ZGF Architects, BWS Architects
The newest addition to the Institute
The newest addition to the Institute, “Building C,” houses researchers from the Biodesign Institute, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, purposefully brought together to interact and collaborate. An extension of the existing Biodesign Institute, the building forms the northern edge of a research quadrangle centered on a James Turrell skyspace sculpture.
Quartz planters, inspired by the crystalline structure of quartz minerals, were chosen not only for the connection to nature they share with the Institute’s mission, but also as a complement to the building’s modern architectural lines.
Quartz by Larry Kornegay
A result of the interplay between light and shadow, this planter produces a display of crisp and soft edges. The series is distinguished by its beautiful design, fine craftsmanship and luxuriously smooth surface quality.
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The city leaders of Kannapolis take downtown revitalization seriously. The city purchased the entire downtown district—approximately 50 acres and eight blocks of buildings—and began a $113 million undertaking that includes streetscape improvements, a linear park, and a sports and entertainment venue.