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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 >
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