Terri Meyer Boake BES BArch MArch LEED AP
Associate Professor :: Associate Director :: School of Architecture :: University of Waterloo

Cowles Conservatory and Frank Gehry "Standing Fish"

Walker Sculpture Garden

Minneapolis, Minnesota


Project Information:

The Cowles Conservatory is part of the complex known as the Walker Art Center Scuplture Garden, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The conservatory houses linear greenhouses at either end of the central building, that contains Frank Gehry's famous plexiglass fish sculpture. More information on the "Standing Fish" may be obtained here.


Project Images:

Side elevation of the conservatory.
View of the Cowles Conservatory from the Walker Art Center.

Detail view of the diagrid as seen through the greenhouse glazing.
View towards the pyramidal roof section.

"Standing Fish" at centre of conservatory.
View towards apex of steel roof frame in one of the lower, linear greenhouse sections.
Some shades can be drawn to offset overheating in the summer months.
Close-up view of welded connection.
View towards greenhouse roof.
The round HSS tube sections that form the primary structure of the conservatory are connected via welding.
Heating units are located along the entire perimeter of the greenhouse.
Detail of plexiglass fish skin .

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These images are for educational use only and may not be reproduced commercially without written permission. tboake@sympatico.ca

Updated September 25, 2005