Bemidji State Academic Learning Center

This new Academic Learning Center replaced and modernized the former Hagg-Sauer Hall. With a changed orientation and smaller footprint, the new building helps create a better connection between the university and Lake Bemidji. With the removal of Hagg-Sauer, the campus quadrangle has an unencumbered connection to Lake Bemidji. The project also creates an outdoor learning environment using natural vegetation that interrupts the stormwaters natural flow, helps treat storm runoff and improves the water quality before it reaches and enters Lake Bemidji. Pedestrian connectivity forms a newly expanded lakeside quad lawn framed by native plantings. The student lounge and outdoor learning spaces allows students to engage with the outdoors. Native pines were planted to re-establish the once prominent pine forest edge that surrounded the lake.