Circular Ceiling Design Honors Native Culture at Minneapolis Center

Architects incorporate elements of the medicine wheel and drum circle into the acoustic ceiling of a new ceremonial space.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The recently renovated Minneapolis American Indian Center features a circular ceiling design in the building's rotunda that reflects important elements of Native American culture. The 1,906-square-foot ceremonial space incorporates the concepts of the medicine wheel and drum circle through the use of a custom-designed acoustical ceiling system made with wood-look panels that provide superior sound absorption.

Why it matters

The circular ceiling design was an intentional choice to honor the cultural significance of circles in Native American life. By incorporating these symbolic elements, the architects aimed to create a space that feels welcoming and reflective of the community the center serves.

The details

The circular ceiling is achieved through the use of 16 suspended 'ceiling clouds' that form the inner and outer rings. The panels are made of a lightweight, plant-based material that provides the aesthetic of wood while meeting strict acoustic requirements for the ceremonial space. The complex design was facilitated by the manufacturer's pre-construction services, which provided detailed layouts and pre-cut trim pieces to ease installation.

  • The Minneapolis American Indian Center recently underwent renovations.
  • The circular ceiling was installed as part of the center's reopening.

The players

Cuningham

The architecture firm that designed the interior of the Minneapolis American Indian Center's rotunda.

Eric Lagerquist

An associate principal at Cuningham who explains the significance of incorporating circles into the ceiling design.

TJ Rokke

The project manager from Architectural Sales of Minnesota who worked with the manufacturer on the complex ceiling installation.

Armstrong World Industries

The manufacturer of the Lyra PB Wood-Look ceiling panels used in the circular ceiling design.

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What they’re saying

“Circles are very important within the Indian community. The medicine wheel and the drum circle are important elements of Native culture.”

— Eric Lagerquist, Associate Principal, Cuningham (wconline.com)

“This is a high-profile design. These are not your standard square or rectangular ceiling panels. Measuring and cutting all the angles takes time in the field, but with the Axiom trim being cut to size in advance by the manufacturer, that saved a lot of time and helped make sure that the ceiling clouds in the inner circle and the ceiling clouds in the outer circle were the same size.”

— TJ Rokke, Project Manager, Architectural Sales of Minnesota (wconline.com)

What’s next

The Minneapolis American Indian Center is planning a grand reopening celebration to showcase the new circular ceiling design and other renovations to the community.

The takeaway

By incorporating meaningful cultural elements into the design of the Minneapolis American Indian Center's ceremonial space, the architects have created a welcoming and reflective environment that honors the rich heritage of the Native American community.