The project is a veteran’s re-acclimation and healing center on a former ammunitions plant in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Through the interaction of the veterans and the land, the healing processes of each become mutually beneficial. As time passes and nature takes back the land, veterans witness the process of reclamation and renewal as they go through their own process of healing. The architecture is the medium through which the veterans experience this story of healing, as well as the place where they share their own stories.
The former Twin Cities Army Ammunitions Plant (TCAAP) is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota, about 10 minutes north of Minneapolis off of Interstate 35W. I choose to focus on a smaller section of the site, outlined above in orange.
Site Plan. Phytoremediation and constructed wetlands address issues of contamination on the site. Existing buildings that must be taken down are replaced by trees or plantings that fill in the previous footprint and grow out over time. Vehicular access is from the west via 35W and the county road. Bike and pedestrian access is provided via paved path from the north side of the site as well as the west and eventually the south.
Diagram illustrating the difference conditions for existing buildings on the site.
The site palette focuses on native Minnesota plants and utilizes fast growing species of plants for phytoremediation techniques. The brightly colored flowers serve as placemarkers of former building sites.
Site work is implemented over time in phases in order to meet soil quality standards and allow plantings to get established. Then paths and park services are introduced, and then the veteran's programs are implemented to care for the site and run the park programs.
The approach to the Veteran's center from the northwest, the public face of the building.
Form finding diagram illustrating the public and private programs combing together and allowing for outdoor space in between the programs. Volumes are directed towards specific site views and the private programs are protected by the hillside.
Section and diagram showing the former state of the site as a contaminated area and the future of the site experienceing a healing process that is mutually benefitial with the journey of those more directly affected by war.
Plan illustrating the connective wooden bands wrapping through the building and anchoring it to the site.
The physical therapy and fitness pool. The Veteran's center is a place for healing and relaxation and the views to the site enable a constant connection to outdoors.
Site activities range from quiet hikes to sledding to big cross country meets. The site becomes a regional resource that can also become an income source for the Veteran's programs through hosting larger events. Credit; Craig Mullenbach for site photos.
Section cutting through the pool, circulation and event center.
Living room serves as the main social space at the Veteran's center. It is a place for families and individuals to have a home away from home.
