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Mapping the Wisconsin River Through Seven Floors

Case Study

Mapping the Wisconsin River Through Seven Floors

Project: University of Wisconsin Madison Computer Data and Information Sciences Building
Architect: LMN Architects
Fabricator: MR Walls
Material: Corian Solid Surface
Scope: More than 5000 square feet across seven elevator cores
Campus Goal: LEED Platinum

Project Overview:

LMN Architects approached MR Walls with a bold question. Could the entire Wisconsin River be carved across seven floors of elevator cores? The vision called for a fully custom topographic design, a different pattern on each floor, and a continuous story that connected the building from the ground up. In total, more than 5000 square feet of carved Corian Solid Surface wraps through the elevator cores at the center of this LEED Platinum campus.

Design Highlights

Through its Design Assist process, MR Walls worked closely with the design team to map the full Wisconsin River using custom software. Varied carving depths were used to distinguish land and water, while inlaid floor numbers were integrated directly into the panels to support wayfinding. Full size mockups and samples helped streamline approvals and ensure the design intent was clearly communicated.

Final Impression

The finished installation transforms elevator cores into a vertical map of Wisconsin’s most iconic river. What could have been a purely functional circulation space is now an immersive, place based experience that reflects movement, data, and regional identity. Installation remained efficient, with crews completing up to 1000 square feet per day.

Additional Information

This project demonstrates how early collaboration and advanced fabrication techniques can turn ambitious ideas into practical, buildable solutions. By pushing Corian Solid Surface beyond typical applications, MR Walls helped deliver a feature that is both visually striking and seamlessly integrated into the architecture.

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