180 Degrees Emergency Youth Shelter
Creating intentional spaces to support wellbeing, community, and healing.
180 Degrees Emergency Youth Shelter provides a safe, nurturing, and comforting environment for youth in crisis in Rochester and the surrounding southern Minnesota community. It was important their new space reflected these same goals. Continua Interiors worked alongside BKV Group to provide workplace strategy and furniture for this project.
The relocation and building of this new shelter for 180 Degrees allowed for intentional design that supports the wellbeing and safety of its occupants. Furniture selections were made focusing on empathetic design and including elements inspired by the nature surrounding the shelter. Furniture solutions were provided in the small and large group collaboration areas, kitchen and outdoor dining, a multipurpose training room, and private study areas. The group areas allow for connecting as a community while private rooms provide space for personal retreat.
A curated mix of manufacturers were utilized to furnish spaces to maximize their functionality – MillerKnoll, OFS, Hightower, and Stylex in the community spaces, BRC, Tayco, and Hi5 in the training and study rooms, and Loll Designs for outdoor furniture. The natural light and soft finishes reinforce the promotion of healing and wellbeing in this space aimed to provide better outcomes for youth and their families.
180 Degrees offers support and community often lacking in rural areas where such services aren’t as abundant as more urban communities. Continua offered support to the organization and Rochester community by donating several furniture pieces to the project. The refreshed space and amenities encourage youth to continue to pursue their passions even when facing adversity.
Services Provided: Workplace Strategy, Furniture
A+D Firm: BKV Group
Year Completed: 2025
Location: Rochester, MN
Photographer: Kory Kevin Studio