by Vincent Kampel

The Peter L. and Clara M. Scott Laboratory is home to The Ohio State University’s departments of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering. Located on North Campus, its site is defined by 19th Avenue to its north, 18th Avenue to its south, Macgruder Avenue to its east, and the Journalism building to its west. Scott Lab is comprised of three wings, North, East, and West, with a central grass courtyard and also includes a multi-ramped skyway connecting the East and West wings. The facility stands five stories high with a basement and contains classrooms, administrative offices, and a wide array of laboratories and machine shops.

Completed in 2006, Scott Lab was designed by BHDP Architecture and constructed by Ruscilli Construction. Both contributors were specifically selected by the university and also have multiple standing projects on Ohio State’s campus. Replacing the existing Robinson Laboratories, Scott Lab’s 240,000 square foot construction project required intensive detailed planning and execution to meet the challenges present. Multiple accommodations were needed to reroute pedestrian and vehicular traffic and relocate classes during Robinson’s multi-phase demolition process to ensure that the transition from old to new was made as seamlessly as possible. Regular review sessions were held during its design and construction process to ensure that once completed, its ample space could be used and implemented as effectively as possible. Ultimately, Scott Lab stands as both a distinctive work of architecture on North Campus and (anecdotally) very popular among its many frequent visitors.

The original vision for Scott Lab, formed collaboratively between BHDP, university planners, and future occupants of the building, dictated much of the existing architecture of the building to this day. From the beginning, Scott Lab was intended to cater to the needs of the students and faculty who would use it most, while simultaneously accommodating the current needs of the departments and including enough flexibility within its structures to ensure the facility could adapt to new capabilities during its lifetime to ensure its longevity and sustainability. Its chosen materials both externally (brick, aluminum, and glass) and internally (concrete, metals, and glass) represent sustainable materials that have both long lifetimes and little required maintenance. Also notably sustainable is its strong presence of natural light. The utility of the glass exterior along with its many windows allow for much of the building to be lit naturally; even the underground basement is provided with light by angled ground level windows.

Architecturally, Scott Lab’s many elements are primarily utilitarian (fitting for its engineering-minded inhabitants), but also maintain its design integrity. Most notable among its features are its multitude of exterior materials. Along the outer exterior of the building, it features the same brick aesthetic found widely on North Campus. The inner exterior (as seen from the courtyard), however, features a seamed aluminum siding with a notable glass presence, especially contained in the skyway. This use of materials is much more consistent with the building’s interior space, which adheres to an industrial and mechanical aesthetic. Also, the U-shape of the building allows a nice courtyard space for visitors to use and enables an efficient flow of pedestrian traffic.

Sources:

“OSU Scott Laboratory”.<www.ruscilli.com/projects/osu-scott-laboratory-2>

“Scott Laboratory”. <www.bhdp.com/work/higher-education/the-ohio-state-university/scott-laboratory>

by Vincent Kampel

Battelle Darby Nature Center is a visitors’ center found in the heart of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. The park, located in western Franklin county along 13 miles of the Big Darby and Little Darby Creeks, is comprised of over 7,000 acres of wetland, prairie, and forest ecosystems, making it the largest of the Metro Parks. The building is located within native Ohio prairie lands and overlooks the park’s enclosure of roaming bison, which have been reintroduced to the area, to the south. The Nature Center’s purpose is to serve the park’s visitors with an educational and interactive resource to learn about and experience the park’s ecosystems first hand, aiming to engage the visitors with the vast collection of natural settings within the park.

The project, undertaken by DesignGroup, was completed in 2012 and features Ohio State’s own professor William Keoni Fleming as principal architect and sustainability manager with Michael Bongiorno as designer. The two-story building exhibits 14,000 square feet of educational and interpretive attractions for its visitors, including a 53 foot long “living stream” at its center which models the park’s river and creek ecosystems.

The primary focus of the building was its sustainability efforts. The design team’s challenge was to find the most effective way to place a building in the midst of a delicate natural location. As a result, the design team strived to create a design for the building that reduced its own impact physically, environmentally, and visually. One strong indication of these efforts is the building’s exterior appearance.

The nature center is built into a hill and recedes into the landscape, so when approached from the north, only the roof of its porch and the main lobby are visible. The intention of this approached perspective was to emphasize the visitors’ focus on the natural surrounding landscape rather than the building itself; the porch itself uses this perspective to frame the bison enclosure and natural horizon beyond the building. While only one story is visible from the north when fully approached, the full expanse of the two-story building can be seen from the south.

However, the building goes far beyond justblending into the landscape to reduce its environmental impact. One major feature of the building is its roof garden, or green roof, comprised entirely of native vegetation; as testament to the building’s efforts, local birds have been found to nest atop the roof. The roof, along with the parking lot, also enables rainwater runoff to a series of contained wetlands which have been planted with more native vegetation. The green roof exhibits an effective way to reduce the building’s impact both environmentally and visually.

Further, the building features multiple technical and design measures to ensure its sustainability. The building’s layout and orientation enables it to benefit from passive solar energy gain, which means it naturally receives more direct sunlight in the winter to warm the building and more shading in the summer to help keep it cool. Geothermal ground-source heat pumps add to the building’s resume of sustainability. Operable windows for ventilation and a

highly-insulated building envelope also contribute to the sustainable climate control of the building, which all in all is estimated to use only half of the energy of a conventional building of its utility and size. As a culmination of its efforts, the Nature Center is pursuing a LEED silver certification. 

Sources: “Batelle Darby Metro Park Nature Center/Design Group”. <www.archdaily.com/541409/battelle-darby-creek-metro-park-nature-center-designgroup>

By: Sam Richards

The skyline of any city is a major symbol for not only what the city represents but also for the people that inhabit the area. One of the major highlights in the Columbus skyline is the Lincoln Leveque Tower. This 555 foot 6-inch tower (Tebben 1) opened in 1927 under the name American Insurance Union (AIU) Citadel and grew to become one of the city’s most notable features.

Located on the north-east corner of Broad Street and Front Street, the Leveque tower represents the stance of Columbus growing from a region known for its farmland to a major United States city in the Midwest. The designer of this building was C. Howard Crane. Crane focused on the exterior façade to be built of white terra-cotta blocks which are complemented by large and detailed terra-cotta statues shaped into figures such as eagles and angles throughout the entire facade. (Rose 1). These statues range from the bottom level to the top edges of the structure. The statues near the top of the building were later removed due to structural and safety concerns.

The American Insurance Union came under fire in the era of the Great Depression and as a result to the groups economic crash the structure was foreclosed upon. The result of the foreclosure led to building being bought by Columbus Developers Leslie Leveque and John Lincoln in 1945, who partnered up and focused on restoring the structure to its former glory (Tebben 1). The two focused on revitalizing the tower and using its space as a core to the city and its infrastructure.

The Leveque tower is also well known for being the home to one of the Columbus’ hallmark classic areas within the city, the Palace Theatre. Located in the northeast corner of the structure and is operated by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). This association utilizes this space to put on major shows and events that create a unique gathering space amongst the city and its residents.

Today tower stands as a strong representation to the character of Columbus and the people of this great city. In recent years, the tower has begun to have the need for major inspections and has shown signs for need of major repairs. As a result of these inspections, there has been found the need for some of the more notable features on the exterior to become removed. This includes the famous statues that sat atop the tower near its peak. These marvelous statues have been replaced by major lights that illuminate the tower and add a new sense of character with their ability to change color for different occasions (Tebben 1).

The tower is currently undergoing major renovations to the interior of the building. The interior is being adjusted to encompass new amounts of economic infrastructure within the downtown area of the city. This infrastructure will include new office spaces, retail, and a luxury hotel. These new functions will serve the city and its people in new ways and will again solidify the idea of the Leveque tower as being one of the most important structures to the city of Columbus.

Works Cited

Rose, Marla Matzer. “LeVeque Tower Showing Fruits of $27 Million Restoration.” The Columbus Dispatch. The Columbus Dispatch, 27 Aug. 2016. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

Tebben, Gerald. “Columbus Mileposts: Sept. 23, 1924 | LeVeque Tower Begins as AIU Citadel.” The Columbus Dispatch. FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 22 Sept. 2012. Web. 20 Nov. 2016.

By: Sam Richards

The most distinguishing aspect to any place of education, especially that of a major state university, is the aspect of how a building relates to those it serves. Page Hall of the Ohio State University is a strong advocate for this connection to the people of the university and community that it serves, Page Hall is located on the South Eastern corner of the Oval on College Road and houses classes related to many majors and general education classes, but largely houses and functions for the needs of those in the John Glenn Institute and the School of Public Policy and Management.

Built in 1903, the building is well known for its famous architectural significant exterior façade. Page Hall was the ninth building constructed on Ohio State’s campus and originally housed the university’s college of Law. The building was named after Henry Folsom Page, a famous Ohio Attorney that gave a large donation to the university to complete the building ( Nihiser 1). The façade is decorated will large sense of precedents related to classical architecture. This idea is resembled in the large focus on columns and a grand porch that faces the oval and resembles as the most notable feature of the building.


In 1959 the university decided to move the law school out of Page Hall and various functions took place in the building until the university focused on the area to be used for the now home of the John Glenn Institute in 2004. The focus of this space has become a major highlight to the university as the space provides a unique experience between the design and those who interact with it and provokes a sense of a unique learning space.

The building went under major renovations in 2004 where the University created a campus wide focus on revitalizing the major architectural markers on campus and giving them new focus and attention. The university focused on Page Hall by re-designing its major entryway façade by creating new ramps and ways of entry without destroying the architectural significance the connection to classical architecture provides.

This major landmark in architecture on campus provides a unique connection to the people it serves at this university while also focusing on its design of being a place of architectural significance and a place of learning on the campus. This piece is very important to the university as a whole and will continue to be for decades to come.

Works Cited

Nihiser, Wes. “Page Hall.” The Lantern. Ohio State University Journalism, 18 Feb. 2007. Web. 20 Nov. 2016. <http://thelantern.com/2003/08/page-hall/>.

By Ian Meadows

Located in the heart of the Discovery District, the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library makes quite an impressive statement architecturally and functionally. It recently went through a complete renovation to allow it to better meet the needs of an increasingly technologically advanced and progressive society. While the grand front façade and ornate interior marble remained after the renovation, the building was given a new life. It is now filled with large open spaces, contemporary design elements such as the use of glass and floating staircases, and an abundance of natural light. Simply walking up to and then inside of the library evokes amazement and curiosity.

Picture 1: The west exterior (considered to be the front of the library).

Figure 1: The library (red) in relation to its surroundings such as nearby roads, the Ohio Statehouse, and Topiary Park.

The entire building gives off a sense of advancement, education, and wonder. The renovation was able to successfully maintain its historical significance while ensuring it can be projected into the current society and beyond. As previously discussed with Knowlton Hall, one of the best elements is the seamless flow from space to space. The expansive atrium on the main level provides for an excellent area to congregate and admire the beautiful interior space. However, while there are a few seats, there is a shortage of functional space considering how much area this atrium occupies. If there is any critique of the library, it would be the underdeveloped atrium, since so many more comfortable seating areas could be set up instead of a vast floor devoid of places to sit and enjoy the space to its true potential. This does not in any way though detract from the beauty and quality of the library, since the rest of the building goes above and beyond both visual and educational needs for the community. The vastness of the atrium may even be viewed as an asset, placing focus on the versatile and ambiguous design of the exceptional space.

Picture 2: The spacious, open atrium.

Figure 3: The atrium is a figural void that creates a distinctive architectural character of the interior.

Moving on from the atrium yet still focusing on the inclusion of large, bright spaces is a massive reading room on the second level. Here there is an abundance of tables and chairs, and walls of windows let plentiful light stream in. An inviting, peaceful atmosphere conducive to learning, studying, and reading is achieved. Thanks to these bright, open spaces in the library, its renovation has created many more functional and enjoyable spaces throughout the entire building.

Picture 3: Large windows and expansive space give reading rooms like this one a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere.

The building continues to exhibit exceptional flow through its rear entrance. A coffee shop entices visitors to stop by and relax and then to proceed outside to enjoy the library’s pleasant garden patio. Just behind this is Columbus’ Topiary Park. There is a very effective connection between the library and its surroundings, including this park and the rest of the Discovery District. It is very well thought out, creating an easy and intriguing way to progress from inside the library to the exterior, especially in this case of the Topiary Park. In result, more people are able to enjoy this other Columbus feature that might not have previously done so. Architecture firm Schooley-Caldwell states on a page of their website that one of the goals for the library’s renovation project is to “better connect the library with the adjacent Topiary Park and with the Discovery District as a whole” (“Columbus Metropolitan Library: Main Library Renovation”). The interior of the library is very important, but just as much attention was paid to the exterior and how to connect it with its surroundings. The library could even be used as a catalyst to spark further development and enhancement around other areas of the district.

Figure 4: Two main entry and exit points disperse circulation into the rest of the building as well as outside, either in the front or back.

Figure 5: There is a direct flow and connection between the library’s rear patio and the Topiary Park.

Not just a space to enter, quickly find a book, and leave again, the renovated Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library entices visitors to stay and relax for a while in one of many grand, comfortable lounge areas. There are even study rooms and a children’s section to cater to all needs and interests. Not only is the library architecturally stunning, but its functionality is second to none. It is both a progressive building and an institution that will ensure the future of learning and reading will be in good hands, and all inside an equally innovative physical structure.

Sources

“Columbus Metropolitan Library: Main Library Renovation.” Schooley Caldwell Architects. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2016.

By Ian Meadows

Standing out from its surrounding brick buildings, the massive gray structure of Knowlton Hall makes an impressive statement to both onlookers and those who enter inside. Its prime location at a main gateway in and out of campus and its proximity to Ohio Stadium result in many people interacting with the structure, whether or not they actually go inside. By being located on the first main academic corner visible when traveling east down Woodruff Avenue, many people see this highly visible structure. Its unique and innovative architecture results in a highly captivating, intriguing space. There is much thought put into design elements to create the successful institution it is today.

Picture 1: Looking from the southeast toward Knowlton’s main entrance.

Figure 1: The site relationship of Knowlton Hall (red) in terms of its placement with regard to several adjacent roads and Ohio Stadium.

The very essence of the building can be related to a blank slate, as if to encourage students to transform white paper into the architectural marvels of tomorrow. The neutral colors, use of specific materiality like concrete and marble, and basic geometrical shapes used in elements such as columns, the oculus, and rectangular volumes allow for architectural intrigue while symbolizing the school’s intent of providing a place for basic blocks of learning to be obtained. These elements further represent the education for students to build upon their ideas and progress from concepts to masterpieces.

Upon entering inside, it is important to note the significant details that make it clear that this is quite the opposite of a dull and lackluster building. Exposed pipes and metal elements such as handrails and window framework provide a modern urban-industrial aesthetic, ensuring that there is nothing bland about the space. The series of ramps that lead up to the hierarchical roof garden creates an axis to asymmetrically divide the building, as well as allowing for innovative yet functional circulation throughout the floors, classrooms, and studios. This streamlined way of moving people throughout the building contrasts with the ambiguity that other aspects of the space exude.

Picture 2: A look into the open, modern studio space.

Figure 5: The hierarchical roof garden featuring a large concrete oculus.

Rather than confined, private studio spaces, there are large open rooms that lead directly from one to the next. This creates a sense of freedom, just like how students are intended to be able to think outside the box without restriction to express their ideas and to work in a vibrant group environment. Large spaces allow for easy movement, discussions, and desk placement all catering to specific needs. Flexible, multipurpose definition of space and function is most prevalent at the big steps toward the main entrance of the building. While this feature is most often used as a hub for students to sit on the steps and study, it can serve many other purposes depending on various needs of classes, presentations, or other events.

Picture 3: The Big Steps can serve many functions and is a prime gathering spot within the building.

The steps can also simulate the seats of a lecture hall, allowing for presentations to take place. In addition, they can be ideal meeting places for certain classes, and the large open space in front of them can even be perfectly suitable for studio reviews. This incredibly highly functional and versatile space ingeniously demonstrates the high level of thought and design that went into Knowlton. Furthermore, five classical columns of different orders, located in an exterior figural void on the west side of the building, ensure students gain appreciation and knowledge from the past. Matt Williams, contributor to Glass Case of Emotion, adds that Knowlton Hall is “a temple of architectural training…a textbook with a front door” (Williams, “Weekly Response #3: Knowlton Hall”). Students must gain full understanding of concepts and history in order to progress into the modern world, and Knowlton achieves this not only academically, but in the way the building is physically designed. It combines the past with the future and allows for creativity of the highest level due to its own innovative, progressive nature.

Picture 5: The classical columns give reference to the history of architecture.

Sources:

Williams, Matt. “Weekly Response #3: Knowlton Hall.” Glass Case of Emotion. N.p., 02 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

By Austin Dunn

The Residence on Tenth, also known as William Hall, is a residence hall on The Ohio State University’s campus. It’s part of a much larger movement by the University to encourage on campus living. This project was very successful as it houses 539 students in modern, apartment style suites. Its contemporary design gives it a clean, modern feel while its community spaces encourage student interaction. The project was completed in 2012 by Acock Associates Architects. This architecture firm is located in Columbus and has completed notable projects including the Thompson Library renovation at The Ohio State University.

The hall was placed on an empty plot of land with development surrounding it. It’s located on the corner of 10^th Street and Neil Avenue on Ohio State’s South Campus. Just north of it is the Eleventh Avenue garage, a parking garage with five levels. Very close to the northeast is the vault shaped Jesse Owen’s South Recreation Center with a parking lot south of it, east of Residence on Tenth. On the west side of the building, there is a building with multiple shops in it while there is more student housing to the south. A look at the site as a whole shows how William Hall adds to the urban feel of Ohio State’s campus. The short distance between it and its surrounding buildings, especially the parking garage, makes it feel at times that it was squeezed in. However, the designers still managed to incorporate some grass, trees, and plants throughout the site.

In plan, William Hall looks like a rigid letter “U” with edges, but the west “arm” is not perpendicular to the south one as the east one is. This allows the building to mimic the motion of the streets. The west façade runs to parallel to Neil Avenue while the south and east facades run parallel to their respective streets, 10^th Ave and Worthington St. Neil Avenue is a large, prominent diagonal axis that breaks up the grid feeling of the neighborhoods south of campus; William Hall puts in an effort to emphasize this. The building is made up primarily of brick, glass, and steel. Glass is the most abundant material on the exterior as most of the facades are made almost entirely of it, with the exception of both west facades which are primarily brick.

North of the hall is a courtyard that is contained by the arms of the “U” shape. The reason for this shape is to separate the building as much as possible from the parking garage. The green space allows for residents to have something else to look at other than the concrete garage. Additionally, it adds to the community objective of the site by providing residents with a gathering place outside, as well as giving them some open space relief from the packed urban environment.

Inside the building, there are mostly six-person suite style rooms. The university made it clear to Acock Associates that there is a need for resident interaction within the residence hall. Acock accomplished this goal by incorporating lounges and various sitting/gathering places on each floor to encourage interaction. Additional amenities include indoor bicycle storage, a laundry room, and kitchen facilities.

Works Cited

“Featured Projects.” Acock Associates Architects. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

“Knowlton School Digital Library.” Knowlton School Digital Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

“University Housing.” The Residence on Tenth : Residence Halls : University Housing. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.

by Zach Slonsky

Precedence of Manhattan Flatiron, first New York City skyscraper

Columbus Flatiron as it is today

When people hear the “Flatiron” most people think of the famous building located in the borough of Manhattan, New York City. Many people would perhaps not think that Columbus, Ohio has its own version of this building on the corner of Locust and Lazelle street, facing North Fourth Street. (perhaps talk about how many cities have a replication of this building, such as Pittsburg, Atlanta, or Boulder) This building has an extensive history starting in 1914. It was built by Herbert Aloysius whose name is still inscribed in a rock on the top of the building. Originally, this place offered a small saloon and grocery store, as well as a few apartments on the upper two floors. It was a very popular destination for the railroad builders that worked on the Columbus-Toledo rail line just north of the building.

Its uses varied somewhat over time. For a time the saloon on the first floor of the building became a restaurant,  as a result of prohibition legislation. They later reverted this restaurant back into a bar. The top two floors are currently being renovated into updated apartments.

This building is noted for its very thin construction. Due to the thin plot of land it was built on, this building wedges down to an astonishing 8 feet on its smallest side. This is peculiar considering it is a full four stories tall at any given point. Also, as a result of this plot, this building is organized in a very linear fashion. It relates to a central axis originating from the crux of E Nationwide St. and Lazelle St.

Figure/Ground map of the site near the Flatiron

Despite being four stories tall, the facade is split into three layers. This split is shown by the grid of windows and makes it clear in showing a tripartite organization. Another thing to notice about the materials of the exterior is there is a noticeable change in brick tone. This is the result of a recent renovation that saved the building from the same fate many other historic buildings in Columbus have shared, demolition.

This facade is further organized by a datum of windows and implied windows adorning the century old brick. Implied windows being where the space defined by the datum is marked by stones, but not glass, resulting in reinforcement of this pattern despite a window not being in every space.

Other details in this space are the use of pointed arches on top of the first floor windows and doors. These show Gothic influence on the design of the project. This is a fairly typical thing to see for buildings built in this time period. Early 19 century US buildings typically fell into a style of architecture known as Gothic revival. The premise of this style was to Other notable buildings such as the Ohio Statehouse also fall into this category.

Citations:

“Google Maps.” Google Maps. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

“Building History.” Flatiron Bar and Diner. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

“Gothic Revival.” Architectural Styles of America and Europe. N.p., 03 Nov. 2011. Web. 05 Dec. 2016.

  by Taylor Brill         

           The View on High was built in the cusp of the new trend of development in Columbus. The idea of mixed use buildings combining parking, retail and apartment has been at the for front of recent designing in Columbus. The mixed use building trend allows developers to capitalize on higher land values in the urban environment and transform them into something multifunctional. The effort to combine these elements maximizes the real estate in Columbus, while also making places for people to live downtown. Slove Real Estate and Celmark Development are two local developers in Columbus that teamed up on The View on High project. The building stands five stories tall with the first floor being dedicated to the tenants and the upper four stories being apartments. The apartment complex of the building is comprised of 62 units most of which are two bedrooms. At the time of designing the idea was to build on an existing Wendy’s Restaurant site. The freestanding restaurant was torn down and was incorporated into the complex. The Wendy’s is now accompanied in the ground floor of the complex by a GNC and FedEx. The firm responsible for building and design the project is BBCO. They are a local firm in the city and they focus mostly on smaller apparent projects. The firm was able to maximize on the existing 4000 square foot space and create an additional 3000 square feet of retail, 132 space parking garage as well as, the student housing space. 

Street view of the building. The ground floor is lit up where the businesses are.

            The building is located on the intersection of High Street and Woodruff Avenue on the North area of campus. The View on High was built during the same time as the north campus renovation that created more student housing. Its location provide access to many amenities on High Street and is within close range of the north campus academic halls. The view out the large glass windows overlooks high street and give a vantage on north east side of campus.

            The façade of the building is unique in that it blends together two stacked buildings. The uses of the various sizes and shapes of the windows. The storefront windows on the retail stores don’t clash with the smaller windows at the top in the apartments. This is because the middle of the buildings alternates the sizes of the glass so, the fade from large glass windows to walls isn’t as abrupt. The façade also starts to reveal the courtyard in the center of the complex. The middle strip of the building is the lowest part of the building. When looking at the building from High Street, the apartments in the middle are recessed from the other part of the building. The windows also line this void space with also gives hints at the courtyard.

The courtyard

            The floor plan of the building is also interesting. The apartments are not sectioned by the size of the room, making each floor plan unique from the others. This adds character to the building and takes away the bland uniformity the older apartments possess. The varying floor plans also is similar to the way the designers varied the windows sizes. This creates a connection and allows for a flow within the design.

A view of the building from W. Woodruff Avenue

Bibliography:

“The View on High.” BBCO. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.

“The View on High.” The View on High. 2013. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.

Warren, Brent. “Mixed-use Development Proposed at Site of Campus Wendy’s.” ColumbusUnderground. ColumbusUnderground, 28 Feb. 2013. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.

Picture:

Courtyard. Columbus. The View on High. Web. 19 Nov. 2016.

  by Taylor Brill       

         The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and the Richard J. Solove Research Institute was opened in 1990 and was the first Midwest freestanding cancer research hospital. The project was designed by HOK, a global architecture, engineering and planning firm. The firm specializes in large scale projects. The James, today, is the nation’s premier institution for prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer. They strive to integrate scientific research and patient center care together to produce an approach that leads to better prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. Ohio State is one of only 46 National Cancer Institutes designated comprehensive career center. The James is one of only a select few centers funded by the NCI to conduct Phase I and Phase II clinical trials on anticancer drugs. The 21^st century hospital is 1.1 million square feet and stands 21 stories tall. The James is on the cutting edge of cancer research and employs some of the nation’s best oncologists. There are over 200 staffed oncologists that specialized in only one type of cancer.

South Facade

            The James’ 21 story design allows each floor to have its own specialty. The floors on the top of the building are sectioned by cancer type. The mechanicals and administrative offices are located midway up in the building. This is interesting because administrative is usually located on the bottom floor. The bottom section includes the lobby, radiology and surgery departments. What is interesting about the floor plans is that there is no third or thirteenth floor. There is no third floor so that the numbering system is consistent with adjoining building, Rhodes Hall. The thirteenth is absent because of the unluckiness associated with the number 13.

       One very interesting facet of the James Cancer Hospital is that the building itself focuses on sustainability. The hospital received a LEED gold certification because of its many sustainable elements. The building has garden terraces on the North and South sides of the building. The James also collects rain water in the rainwater-runoff basins and recycles the rain water. The building also employs materials like bamboo in the interior. The hospital also has extensive glasswork on all the facades. The glass not only lets in large volumes of natural lighting, but also is thermal efficient which helps keep heating and cooling costs down. The hospital makes a connection to nature and the landscape by providing an outdoor café and direct views to the garden terraces from the 14^th floor where they grow vegetables with cancer-preventing agents.

Interior view showcasing the large windows.

            The OSUCCC-James is also located right on Ohio States medical campus on 10^th Avenue. It is within proximity to High Street, a major north/south axis for Columbus, and from 315, the major highway that runs through campus. The James is surrounded by other medical buildings and has a skywalk connecting it to the Hearth Hospital. There is a voided park that lies directly in front of the main entrance. This is the major green space on Medical Campus and it works to help separate the complex network of buildings. It also provides a recreational space among the sea of medical buildings.

A view of the front of the building showing the small rainwater swells that line the building.