Bloomington, MN
Approx. 60 Acres
Planning
World Expo 2027
Centered around Minneapolis’ identity as the land of the lakes, our design features water as a connector, and the foundation for health and vitality. With a thematic spotlight on health, the plan engages elements of universal design to promote an inclusive and welcoming, transit-oriented development.
Physical health, well-being, and cognitive function are all improved through connection to nature; the site plan for Expo 2027 will foster this connection between the existing nature found along the Minnesota River and the Mall of America. The surrounding prairie landscape provides visitors with respite not only along the existing trails but as they journey through the development. These paths are activated with different experiences, intertwining with entertainment and conference spaces, and then integrating with the Mall of America and its facilities such as a waterpark, hotels, and an arena and exhibition center.
The Expo 2027 site is designed to reverse the current trend of today’s resource-draining communities by capturing, storing, and recycling resources that naturally interact with — and are generated by — the site. Post construction, this has the potential to go beyond reducing the adverse environmental impacts. While reducing the impact of cities to net zero, Expo 2027’s design reflects how natural patterns and forms within the built environment can benefit the natural environment. After the event, we are proposing a legacy plan: the facilities will become an innovation center, housing, and airport connectivity that will foster better living in Minneapolis.
In anticipation of the next World’s Fair, we are representing the USA’s bid to host the Expo in Minneapolis as the project’s designer. The United States is competing against Thailand, Serbia, Spain, and Argentina to host the expo.
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