UC's Dazzling Architectural Masterpiece Was a Gehry Original

Iconic "Crumbled Paper" Building at University of Cincinnati Set for Major Redesign

A landmark building on the University of Cincinnati campus, renowned for its unconventional deconstructivist architecture, is slated for a significant interior transformation. The structure, long nicknamed for its resemblance to a piece of crumpled paper, will see its research laboratories and core facilities completely renovated to meet modern scientific standards.

A Vision for Modern Research

The upcoming project aims to strip the building's interior to its structural frame. The goal is to create flexible, open laboratory spaces that can adapt to the evolving needs of interdisciplinary research. Outdated infrastructure will be replaced with state-of-the-art systems for ventilation, utilities, and technology, fostering a collaborative environment for scientists.

"The architectural statement is powerful, but the interior needs to match that ambition functionally," a university official familiar with the plans stated. "This isn't about altering the iconic exterior; it's about ensuring the space inside empowers groundbreaking discovery."

Balancing Legacy with Innovation

Designed by a world-famous architect and opened over two decades ago, the building has been a polarizing yet defining feature of the campus skyline. Its radical exterior challenged traditional campus architecture, featuring tilted stainless steel panels, sloping walls, and unconventional shapes.

Preservation of the exterior's distinctive character is a cornerstone of the renovation plan. The project focuses solely on the internal layout and systems, ensuring the building's striking visual identity remains untouched while its purpose is fully revitalized for 21st-century science.

Construction is expected to begin following the finalization of designs and the securing of necessary approvals. The building will be vacated to allow for the extensive overhaul.

What do you think?

Should iconic but functionally outdated buildings be preserved exactly as the architect intended, or is interior modernization always justified?

Does radical, attention-grabbing architecture serve a true purpose on a university campus, or is it merely a costly vanity project?

When a building becomes a local landmark primarily for its unusual look, does the institution have a greater responsibility to preserve it or to update it for practical use?