“The Horn” Monument on Medtronic Plaza

The Horn is an installation representing progress and partnership, commissioned via a competition by Medtronic as a gift to the community. It is sited at the front door of the new U.S. Bank football stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grows out of three primary ideas:

• Community: The monument is the product of two separate but entwined ribbons that work in concert to form the installation, thereby reflecting Medtronic’s brand promise “Further, Together.” Mirrored panels on the interior surfaces of these ribbons reflect visitors’ faces as well as views of the surrounding city-scape and sky. At its north end, the sculpture frames a circular plaza space intended for street performers and bands.
• Medical Imagery: The spirals and curves of this monument are inspired by medical imagery including the medical symbol’s entwined serpents and DNA strands. Experienced from within, these forms also recall Medtronic’s historic spiraling mural, “Towards Full Life.”
• Vikings Football: Viewed from the outside, the monument traces the shape of a Viking “Gjallarhorn” battle horn (laying on its side), clad in team colors.

The Horn was fabricated directly from the digital design model, allowing its completion within an abbreviated 15-week project timeframe. Its greatest structural feat is the tail cantilever, which extends over 90 feet (measured un-spiraled).