MHA Nation Cultural Interpretive Center

New Town, North Dakota

2021

47,831 sf

Mike Laverdure, Angie Wilson, Angela Swartzwelder, Jenny Hamson

Project Status: Completed Project

Civic

Scope:

Architecture Interior Design Master Planning

The MHA Nation Cultural Interpretive Center is where visitors can learn about the culture and history of the three distinct Tribal nations that comprise the Three Affiliated Tribes, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara. The facility is centered around a design mimicking an Earth Lodge structure. The circular central commons area of the building is meant for flexible use while the ancillary spaces around the perimeter can be used for meetings, ceremonies, and demonstrations. The location and design elements allow for the building to be highly energy efficient and includes archival space for historic artifacts.

Read more about history and creation of this project HERE.

The Interpretive Center is located on the homelands of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara peoples.

Local artist and Tribal member, Kathy Whitman, created the sculpture that greats guests to the center.

Outside seating from the conference/convention room for fresh air and expansive views of the lake.

The coffee shop serves visitors coffee and lunch that was prepared down in the commercial kitchen.

Reception area leads guests past the coffee and gift shops to the earth lodge structure.

The languages of the MHA Nation are present in signage throughout the center.

Building is centered around a design inspired by an Earth Lodge.

The oculus above allows daylight to pass through as though you were standing in a real earth lodge.

There are 2 conference/convention rooms in the center with occupancy for 215 and 261 guests.

Representation of the Missouri River on the floor of the museum leads guests through the history of the 3 separate Tribes.

The high-tech recording studio is a place for Tribal members to record music and voice to capture their culture.

The sound room is large enough to accommodate a drum circle for recording.

The archival space is temperature and humidity controlled with a vortex sprinkler system.

There are 10 private offices in the center - each with windows and views promoting employee wellness.

Commercial kitchen helps to provide meals influenced by the culture of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

The center's main power source by way of solar fields, is seen as you approach the center.

The amphitheater has space for 500 guests. All seats have a perfect sightline to the stage and lake.

The outdoor amphitheater is constructed of large Cotton Wood logs that used to grow in the area until it was flooded and the forest was destroyed.

The landscaping by SRP Design Studio, and reflects the building design which is reminiscent of the badlands.

Guests attending a performance are treated to an outdoor buffet before heading up the path to the amphitheater.

The custom railings have a circular pattern which represent the 4 cardinal directions.

The center overlooks Lake Sakakawea, the 2nd largest man made reservoir in the US.

The rooftop deck includes additional seating, a garden, and telescope to view the lake.