The first truly interesting new construction in Cincinnati in a decade, the Vontz Venter is a radical element in this city's conservative architectural collection. Before this, the last major project of note was the uninspiring Cincinnati Enquirer building erected in the 1980's. The Vontz center is an island of disharmony in a largely homogeneous complex. It is this clustered oddness that brings the rolling brick walls, the multi-story glass curtain windows trimmed in aluminum, and the steel highlights together in a singular form distinct from what surrounds it. The building rests in a barrow at the intersection of two of the areas busiest streets. The gentle curves of the walls match the rolling hillside where it rests. And its stark, erect windows provide contrast the way the building contrasts with the vertical lines of the surrounding medical center. But it's not just the outside that makes this a unique structure. The laboratory space is open, encouraging previously isolated scientists to work together. And the labs are also modular so they can be reconfigured as research needs change. This feature is aided by floors-between-floors. These levels which would be little more than crawlspaces in most buildings, are actually designed to be walked through, allowing utilities to be moved and upgraded with greater ease.

• The Vontz Center is named for Albert W. Vontz, Junior who donated $5,000,000.00 toward the building's construction.

Photograph courtesy of Larry Harris