The Minnesota State University Campus pedestrian mall is considered by many to be the “heart of the campus,” bustling with student activity. By 2009, the 40+ year old pedestrian mall had become dated, and its fountain had fallen into disrepair. The University sought to reinvent and reinvigorate their dated campus core.
Minnesota State University – Mankato contacted I&S Group to help create a vision for their pedestrian mall that would encompass a notion of the “campus of the future.” The new design respected the need for the space to accommodate heavy pedestrian traffic, while also introducing elements that would encourage students and faculty to re-engage the space and make it more welcoming.
Design elements that I&S incorporated into the new campus mall include a new campus transit stop to the west, a new prominent water feature, varying pavement textures and materials, as well as energy efficient lighting fixtures. I&S also re-used the existing art sculptures in the new design, as well as introduce several new pieces.
To assist in envisioning the end result, a physical model was prepared. The model, approximately 30”×42”, is constructed of wood, plexiglass, and other materials to provide a tool to envision the spatial relationship between the existing and future buildings, proposed landscaping elements, and other features. The resulting design creates a campus pedestrian mall that is both functional and artistic.
