Studio BV recently achieved the office design for Tubman Chrysalis Center, the mental health service, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tubman is the leading provider of therapy, housing and support services to victims of domestic violence and trauma in Minnesota. The center is a beacon of support for victims who need legal and mental health services. The south Minneapolis headquarters of Tubman is nestled into a neighborhood and occupies a simple unassuming building.

Polaris, or more commonly ‘the north star’, served as the guiding light for Harriet Tubman as she made her way north. Harriet Tubman made 19 trips back to the confederate south to help rescue and guide slaves to freedom. Having done all that without the ability to read or write she navigated with her understanding of the landscape and the stars.

The rich new brand colors are accented by a palette of camel, creams, browns, soft greens and yellows as well as neutrals and features a mix of wood tones and soft colors to connect to the origin story of Harriet’s night journeys toward freedom.

The design team created custom artwork to tell the story of Harriet’s journal through the woods and landscape to escape her bondage. These patterns, images and colors are bold yet soothing. They are meant to make a strong connect to the staff and visitors reinforcing the message of hope and optimism in the work they are doing.

The design team redesigned the lobby experience make sure that the first impression in the new space would be a friendly face, a clear brand impression and a large monumental stair. The stair was existing, but the design team redesigned the walls, lighting, colors and materials of the stair to give it a new look. It is now a feature and is the center of the story telling graphics for the space.

The new office features new therapy rooms and group rooms. A large flexible meeting space can be used to support community events and engagement. A new Harriet’s Closet area that is a retail like store that supports their client’s needs for food. A food pantry, new restrooms and a new café.

The new café features a teaching kitchen and a staff kitchen that can work together or independently with the use of a garage door. This allows the team at Tubman to help create new programs for teens and young adults that focuses on healthy food.

Overall, the space better supports the transformative work the staff at Tubman does to support this community.

Design: Studio BV

Contractor: Gardner Builders

Photography: Jessica Stoe

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