Recognizing Transformational Design for Student-Athletes at the University of Minnesota

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Great Plains which supports and elevates the work of commercial interior designers, has honored RDG with an Interior Design Excellence Award for the firm’s design of the Athletes Village at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Home to the U of M’s football and basketball teams, the Athletes Village provides state-of-the-art spaces for practice, athletic training, strength and conditioning and nutrition counseling. Representatives from RDG accepted the IDEA Honor Award during a virtual ceremony held on July 16, 2020.

The firm’s transformation design, which was completed in partnership with BWBR (Architect-of-Record), unifies three separate buildings for Division I intercollegiate athletics into one cohesive athletic complex. Weaving the Golden Gopher spirit into the interior palette, the design acts as a common thread across the three buildings and celebrates the uniqueness of each sport the Village supports.

“We worked very closely with the University to create a space that would enhance performance on the field and court, in the classroom and in life,” said RDG Senior Partner and Interior Designer, Cathy Neumann, IIDA. “Recognition with this award from IIDA – Great Plains reinforces the design’s positive impact and is something we’re incredibly proud to receive.”

RDG’s design encompasses 320,000-SF of space that includes office, lounge and meeting areas, and an academic center and dining hall to reinforce the mental, emotional and dietary elements inherent in overall well-being. Sustainable products, as well as materials native to Minnesota, were used throughout the project.