The Vontz Center for Molecular Studies
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Web-ling
N 39° 08.169 W 084° 30.363
16S E 715555 N 4334847
On the University of Cincinnati campus
Waymark Code: WMYD5
Location: Ohio, United States
Date Posted: 11/11/2006
Views: 103
The Vontz Center for Molecular Studies at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center was designed by world renowned architect Frank O. Gehry and opened in 1999, has attracted worldwide attention.
Not only is the design of this research building stunning, but the work taking place in its laboratories is transforming fundamental biomedical understanding. The building is named in honor of Albert W. Vontz, Jr., Cincinnati businessman and UC alumnus who gave $5 million toward its construction. Mr. Vontz participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies in 1996, as well as the weeklong festivities for the opening in 1999. Mr. Vontz died in 2002, leaving behind a lasting legacy for medical research inside a work of art.
The Vontz Center makes a powerful statement at the gateway to the Medical Center.
Gehry's first all-brick building, the Vontz Center stands as a 360-degree sculpture, set off by a beautiful green space of sculpted grassy mounds and terraces. Light floods through expansive windows into every space. To many who work at and visit the Medical Center, this building represents the new entrepreneurial spirit at the University of Cincinnati - encouraging faculty and staff to develop innovative solutions to complex problems
The open design of the laboratory space allows for flexibility and sharing of core services, and fosters opportunities for collaboration and the creative exchange of ideas among researchers.
A walkable area or interstitial space rests between each lab floor and contains the building's electrical, mechanical, and plumbing systems. This permits easy reconfiguration of labs for the changing needs of individual researchers at minimal cost and disruption of work. Earl L. Walls, nationally recognized laboratory designer, developed this innovative and effective space.
"Scientists represent something very special to me. I love their ability to soar with their thinking, to speculate, to push into the unknown. I try to emulate those feelings in my work."
Frank Gehry