2031 Net-Zero Green Expo

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The Net Zero Green Expo is a visionary project inspired by the upcoming 2031 Minnesota Green Expo, designed to promote sustainable living and ecological responsibility. Situated within Spring Lake Park Reserve in Dakota County, the site is uniquely positioned amidst expansive agricultural fields, dairy farms, and rich native vegetation, offering a dynamic intersection between built and natural environments.

Developed in collaboration with a design partner, the project takes inspiration from Frederick Law Olmsted’s Central Park and the North Carolina Arboretum, integrating a carefully curated network of gardens, pathways, and sustainable structures. The gardens serve as living demonstrations of regenerative landscaping, providing visitors with tangible examples of sustainable techniques that can be applied at a residential scale. These spaces are designed to engage, educate, and inspire—blurring the boundary between exhibition and experience.

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At the heart of the expo, a series of architecturally refined pavilions and exhibition spaces incorporate vegetated roofs, passive cooling strategies, and renewable energy systems, all working toward the ambitious goal of achieving net zero energy across the entire site. The built environment is seamlessly woven into the landscape, reinforcing the project’s commitment to ecological harmony. A combination of bioswales, rain gardens, and permaculture-inspired planting strategies supports stormwater management and enhances biodiversity. The after use program intends for the expo village to remain and buildings be reused for rentable cabins. The gardens will remain and continue to serve as a pillar for engagement within the community. 

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This semester-long endeavor culminated in a meticulously crafted physical model, which was strategically placed within the site context to illustrate the project’s integration with its surroundings. Recognized for its innovation and design excellence, the Net Zero Green Expo was selected as one of only three projects to be exhibited at the Weisman Art Museum in Summer 2025, underscoring its significance in advancing sustainable architectural discourse.