“Transformations”
2012 was the year to study “Transformations” in Rapid City. 2011 saw the beginnings of Main Street Square under construction. In 2012 we did a follow-up tour of the completed Square plaza and the adjacent building renovations of The Shops at Main Street Square. The former parking lot and empty buildings were transformed into a center for the community.
The existing 23-year old Rapid City Regional Airport terminal transformation required a reimaging and overlay of a completely different operation onto an outdated facility. Fundamental to this change was to develop a design which would provide to the traveler a sense of arrival and adventure in connection with the significant landscape and culture of the Black Hills region. We toured the completed facility, which also included a major Public Art mural installation. Rapid City artist James Van Nuys presented the 100-ft. long mural and discussed the design concept, architectural consideration, choice of material, and project execution challenges.
Designed outdoor spaces are an integral component of the Built Environment. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park in Rapid City is the nation’s premier example of a private entity creating a back-country biking and hiking experience in an urban environment. Professional trail designers for HLMP Board toured a bit of the park’s more unique features, including prehistoric petroglyphs.
Local artist Dick Termes is internationally known for his spherical paintings, “Termespheres”, which typically depict famous architecture and interiors as well as imaginary worlds. Dick provided a hands-on workshop for attendees to learn six-point perspective drawing.
Rapid City Regional Airport renovation included a “Green Roof” transformation, shown here with new vegetation and sweeping view of the Black Hills. This will be developed into an outdoor gathering space. 
Rapid City artist James Van Nuys presents drawings of the 100-foot mural being installed in the lower level of Regional Airport. The view he’s showing can be experienced from the Green Roof outdoor space. 
New stone wall cladding in the RC Regional Airport upper level. A new pallet of materials was used throughout the renovation. 
Old stone petroglyphs in the area of Hansen-Larsen Memorial Park. Many such prehistoric features in the park have been covered by the HLMP staff to protect them from damage and exposure. Secrets can be good.
The Design in the Hills committee was formed in 2011 by architects, Kris Bjerke and Tanya Davis and interior designer Maggie Job. Over the years, many new faces have trickled through the committee as leadership in the AIA South Dakota organization has evolved, however Kris has been the anchor to an event which has become a much-anticipated gathering of designers in the Black Hills each summer. The current committee includes Ms. Bjerke, architect and AIA SD board members, Jenn Johnson, Brad Burns, and interior designers Jessica Bergeleen, Kelli Trebil, and AIA South Dakota executive director, Angela Lammers.
Thanks to the generosity of our awesome sponsors! This is a great event that we could not put together without you.