|
Description:
|
The Contemporary Arts Center found a new home in Cincinnati in 2003. Construction on the building at 6th and Walnut Streets took two years. The building, which was designed by Zaha Hadid met with much criticism and skepticism when it was presented. Despite this, Hadid's Deconstructionist style is successful in its present location across from the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The building houses 2366 square feet of performance space, 4672 square feet of lobby space, 16441 square feet of gallery space, 14379 of office space and over 9300 square feet for meeting rooms, educational and shop space. The building utilizes several important design features that create an interesting and innovative environment. The Urban Carpet draws in pedestrian movement from the outdoors and creates a sense of dynamic public space. Starting at the corner of Sixth and Walnut, the ground curves slowly upward as it enters the building, rising to become the back wall. As it rises and turns, this Urban Carpet leads visitors up a suspended mezzanine ramp through the full length of the lobby. The construction resembles a jigsaw puzzle as it juts inward and outward. Views into the galleries are unpredictable, as the stair-ramp zigzags upward through a narrow slit at the back of the building. Together, these varying galleries interlock like a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The exterior of the building is comprised of two different, but complementary, facades. The south facade, along Sixth Street, forms an undulating, glass wall, through which members of the public are able to see into the office areas. The offices benefit from the glass walls, receiving natural light and views of the city. The east facade, along Walnut, is expressed as a negative of the gallery interiors. |
