Commercial Appeal

From cool furnishings to warm architectural finishes, the best in Twin Cities commercial design is anything but conventional. Gone are harsh overhead lights, stiff seats, and floors of tile by the mile. Today’s most interesting projects are all about feeling at home, as shown in the top contract winners’ projects from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers 2007 Awards for Outstanding Interior Design.

Banking on Comfort
Anchor Bank, Burnsville
Contract Private Sector First Place and Contract Best in Show

Design Challenge: Create a new building with a fresh exterior and interior design that would attract new businesses and individuals. The community surrounding the branch is young and growing, and the client sought a scheme that would appeal to the population.

Professional Solution: The fresh, contemporary design conveys the idea of innovation, which is comfortably balanced with such relaxing elements as a gas fireplace. Unifying the interior are four materials: green Lumicor panels that coordinate with the green metal panels of the exterior; figured anigre wood used on surfaces, including the wall panels; blue pearl granite for most countertops; and Wilsonart Stria metal used as a design detail in areas such as the teller line and reception desk. Lighting serves as a key design element. A light cove runs the entire length of the lobby and open office, for instance, and tall, rectangular recessed wall sconces flank the gas fireplace. Subtle patterns in materials add interest to the clean-lined architecture. A favorite example of this is seen in the warm yet edgy tile design of the lobby, teller line, and fireplace wall. Most colors are neutral tans, grays, and greens. Red in the upholstery and in an art piece commissioned for the lobby wall unifies the space.
Designer: Lyn Berglund, ASID, CID
Firm: Mohagen/Hansen

The Style Lobby
Whitney Landmark Residence, Minneapolis
Contract Private Sector First Place

Design Challenge: Create a chic lobby using architectural elements original to the structure, which was built as a flour mill and later transformed into the Whitney Hotel. The clients wanted the lobby to make a dramatic first impression unlike that of any other condo development in the city.

Professional Solution: The design firm coined the concept “cosmopolitan meets culture” for the project and incorporated a subtle theme of wheat and water to celebrate the building’s original use as a flour mill and its Mississippi River location. The design maintains the integrity of the historical landmark yet engages the eye with a blend of new and antique pieces, many art deco chic in style. The sophisticated use of color helps create an emotional reaction and comfortable atmosphere. Existing architectural elements, such as pillars, brick walls, stone floors, and rough beams, blend into the finished work. The ceiling pattern mirrors that of the floor, bringing an inviting, comfortable feel to the long, narrow space. The designers minimized rug use, instead creating ruglike elements within the tile that do not disturb traffic flow.
Designers: Karen Soojian, ASID, Karlene Hunter Baum, Allied ASID, and Sarah Bernardy, Allied ASID
Firm: Gabbert’s Design Studio & Fine Furnishings

Dental Appointments
Southern Heights Dental Group Clinic, Faribault
Contract Health Care First Place

Design Challenge: Create a comfortable scale and atmosphere for an 18,357-square-foot dental clinic with administrative offices. The building’s exterior, designed by another firm, was under construction when design work on the clinic began, so the team needed to modify details to respond to changes during the building process. The design included sixteen operatory bays, fourteen hygiene bays, and two specialty operatory bays, all with their own waiting areas. Another challenge lay in designing a two-level vaulted area that would provide a relationship between the dental clinic and future second-level tenants.

Professional Solution: The color, pattern, and texture of natural materials creates a comfortable, patient-friendly atmosphere. Indirect cove lighting and wall sconces provide warm illumination that is less clinical than conventional office lighting. Rather than relying on a single large waiting area, smaller separate spaces add comfort and create a space for friendly patient/hygenist introductions. A combination of decorative and clear glass windows connects the dental clinic with an orthodontic clinic and future second-floor tenants while allowing each space to have its own identity. Blue, green, and tan tones are accented with unexpected punches of bold color.
Designer: Lyn Berglund, ASID, CID
Firm: Mohagen/Hansen