Issue 19
 

When faced with a challenge, Bernard Tschumi relies on conceptual power. For the Lindner Athletics Center at the University of Cincinnati's tightly packed "Varsity Village," the architect chose a most intriguing site, though perhaps the most difficult. Squeezed into a sort of boomerang shape, the new building captures the residual space defined by an existing stadium, recreation center, an arena, and fields.

Tschumi envisioned a full-height atrium running through the doglegged floor plan to enhance its functionality and animation as a central terminal. To create this form, the architect conceived a steel diagrid frame, effectively producing a five-story truss that encloses the cathedral-like space. It is a veritable shrine to the university's athletics program.

Seizing on this dramatic interior, Tschumi worked with designer Eva Maddox to create an installation called "Heritage Hall." Sepia-toned graphic murals are emblazoned onto Luxalon metal ceilings that run the length of the space. The flatness and flush joints of the system keep the images looking continuous and clean. The planks' perforation also enhances their acoustical properties. More >

Canada: University of Toronto
Architects: architectsAlliance & Behnisch Architekten

Chile: Universidad Diego Portales
Architect: Ricardo Abuauad

USA: Valencia Comm. College
Architect: C.T. Hsu

USA: LaKretz Hall at UCLA
Architect: SmithGroup


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