3D Modeling and Client Interaction

One of the great things about working with Mohagen/Hansen is that we truly believe in client communication and interaction.  Early on, communication focuses on the clients needs, preferences, limitations, expectations, etc.  But soon, the conversation shifts to discussions around actual plan layouts and elevations. 

For many clients though, even with these drawings,  their future space is hard to visualize.  To solve this problem we use 3D modeling software to bridge the gap.  Using this tool early on not only helps our clients start to get a sense of what their space will "feel" like, but will also help them think through the design more clearly and help the concept come to life.  Also, at these early stages, we are able to manipulate the spaces easily and "push and pull" walls and ceilings to adjust the space.... many times making adjustments in real-time during client meetings with direct input from the future users of the space.  As you can imagine, this not only leads to very fun and interactive meetings, but a better finished product as well.

As we move closer to a final design, the models can become more detailed with actual furnishings, finishes and equipment.  We can do a walk-through and view examples of various design options to help the client make more informed decisions.

The great thing about our 3D modeling process is that it is very flexible.  The goal is to use the model as a immersive communication tool, not as a something that simply creates a flat image that you cannot move through or interact with. 

Overall, we seem to find it much more beneficial (especially before the final design has been agreed upon) to have a model that allows you to move through and around a space to get a sense of how it feels, rather than simply printing off a few pretty pictures and letting you fill in the blanks.  With that said, if a project has the need for a photo-realistic image for marketing purposes, we can seamlessly move our model into a separate software program to create those stunning images.  We will devote a future post to that process.

Speaking Appearance: "Refurbishing Common Areas"

Lyn A. Berglund, ASID, CID was a speaker at last week’s 11th Annual Senior Cooperative Housing Conference held on May 11 and 12 at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloomington.

Well versed to speak on the topic “Refurbishing Common Areas,” Lyn cited example and past project, the 7500 York Senior Cooperative Renovation. In addition to speaking about the renovation of public areas, she also spoke about what to look for when selecting an interior designer. In doing so, she provided the audience questions to ask, and particular expertise to look for an order to ensure a successful project. The renovation of the public space at 7500 York was recognized in the national publication, DESIGN - Environments for Aging 2010 – A Special Supplement to Long-Term Living in the March 2010 Issue.

7500 York Cooperative was selected by a jury of highly accomplished long term care designers, architects and providers to be recognized in this National Publication in the “Seniors Only Housing/Apartment Complex” Category.

Here are two pictures of the the 7500 York project Lyn spoke about... see if you can guess which picture was taken before the renovation, and which is after.

after

before

To learn more about Lyn, visit her profile on our website by clicking here:

 Lyn's Q/A Page

To view more images of the 7500 York project please visit the project page: 

7500 York Profile

Groundbreaking: J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice

Last month Allina broke ground on a very meaningful project; the J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice in Brooklyn Park, MN.  This was a very special project for Mohagen/Hansen because Allina has been a great client to work with and an extraordinary amount of time and effort went into the design.  Most importantly however, we knew that this building would be the final home for individuals during the last moments of their life and we wanted the space to help make those moments as peacful and comforting as possible.  See video below for the groundbreaking event at the site.


For more information on this project click the link below:
http://www.allina.com/ahs/medicalservices.nsf/page/hospice_foundation#current_needs

Here is a site plan and some renderings of what the final project will look like:

Crosstown Medical Building earns LEED Gold!

The USGBC has awarded the Crosstown Medical Building LEED Gold!  This achievement went above and beyond the expectations of the ownership group, the City of Edina and even many members of the design team!  Required by the city to achieve LEED Silver, the project earned enough points to exceed this requirement through excellent documentation, innovative design, and by simply receiving every credit that was applied for (a rare event for LEED registered projects).  This is the second project that Mohagen/Hansen has taken through the LEED certification process and the first one that has achieved LEED Gold. 

Project Information

Completed: March 2010
Location: Edina, MN
Size: 75,000 sq. ft.
370 stall parking garage

Project Highlights
19.7% Energy reduction
38% Water use reduction

27% Regional Materials

26% Recycled Content

53% Green Roof

63% FSC Certified Wood

In total, the project received 35 points under LEED CS version 2.0.

Here is an excerpt from the official press release from February 18, 2011...

The demolition of an existing tired office building on the site made way for a dynamic new medical office building and building canopy. The landscaping features offer a pleasing street presence and create a transitional podium to soften the scale of the building. The design concept also removed visual clutter found on the existing site with the concealment of mechanical systems, cell tower and removal of the overhead utility lines. These features, as well as the green roof on the building and canopy, offered an aesthetically pleasing view to the nearby parking garage that would command street presence and compliment the surrounding area. The complex serves as an extension of the regional medical campus.

“Buildings are a prime example of how human systems integrate with natural systems,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “The Edina Crosstown Medical Office Building project efficiently uses our natural resources and makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet, which will tremendously benefit future generations to come.”

The building is a 75,000 sq. ft. medical office building with an adjacent 370 parking garage. Designed entirely for use by Twin Cities Orthopedics, P.A., it consists of clinic spaces, physical therapy, an MRI imaging suite, ambulatory surgery center, administrative offices, conference center and on-site cafeteria.

To learn more about this exciting project or view more photos, click the link below to visit the project page on our website. 

Crosstown Medical Building Project Page