VJAA Completes Fraser Hall Chemistry Building at University of Minnesota
Fraser Hall, a new chemistry teaching facility at the University of Minnesota, was designed by VJAA and finalized in late 2025. This 121,718-square-foot structure integrates the original law school building from 1929, which now serves as a wing housing two lecture halls and two teaching laboratories. In collaboration with BWBR, VJAA enveloped the building in copper, orienting it westward toward the Mississippi River, while the restored redbrick section faces east towards Northrop Mall. The design incorporates two bars that mimic the river's curve, featuring custom vertical perforated-metal louvers that reduce summer light by 40%. The facility boasts 15 teaching labs, collaborative areas, and a five-story glass artwork by Lakota artist Dyani White Hawk. Faculty, under David Blank's leadership, dedicated nearly 15 years to planning this building.
Key facts
- VJAA designed Fraser Hall, a new chemistry teaching center at the University of Minnesota.
- The 121,718-square-foot building incorporates the original 1929 Fraser Hall law school building.
- The project was designed with executive architect BWBR.
- The new building faces west toward the Mississippi River and downtown Minneapolis; the original faces east to Northrop Mall.
- Custom vertical perforated-metal louvers block 40 percent of direct summer light; the facade is 60 percent open.
- Height restrictions prompted a shift from steel to concrete to reduce floor-to-floor height.
- The building contains 15 teaching labs plus three in the old law school, along with collaboration spaces.
- A five-story glass artwork by Dyani White Hawk is in the South Stair Tower; her solo show at the Walker Art Center coincided with the opening in late 2025.
Entities
Artists
- Jennifer Yoos
- Dyani White Hawk
- Cass Gilbert
- David Blank
- Frank Edgerton Martin
Institutions
- VJAA
- University of Minnesota
- BWBR
- Walker Art Center
- College of Design
- School of Architecture
- Northrop Mall
- Rapson Hall
- Architect's Newspaper
Locations
- Minneapolis
- United States
- Mississippi River
- Minnesota
- River Road