Unifying Dimensions

Abstract

The practice of adaptive reuse can completely transform the way people interact with and perceive an existing building. However, is there a way to interweave the past with the present, perhaps by analyzing the building’s previous and current interrelationship responses in addition to paying respect to its identity features (structure, formality, space usage, and materials)? How does a designer respect and highlight building history and provide new, functional uses for its spaces? This project located in southwest St. Paul demonstrates how idle, historic Fort Snelling barracks can be transformed into multi-use establishments. Barrack Building #18 will contain an international hostel and rentable event spaces that focus on preserving the building’s integrity and emphasizing the surrounding essence of the site.