University of Cincinnati Digital Futures

Architect (Exteriors): KieranTimberlake
Developer: Terrex Development & Construction
General Contractors: Messer Construction, HGC Construction
Landscape Architect: Site Design Group
Structural Engineer: Schaefer
MEP Engineer: IMEG
Location: Cincinnati, OH

The Digital Futures Building houses labs where researchers from across the University of Cincinnati work together on digital technologies. Located in Avondale, about a mile from the main campus, it is part of the first phase of a larger planned mixed-use development. Vertical sun-shading screens in a geometric pattern cover the grey metal and glass exterior. The building’s core contains shared VR studios, computer labs, and social space, and it is wrapped in custom milled wood panels that students developed in a week-long design sprint. A ground-floor café has a view into a two-story high bay for testing drones, robots, and autonomous vehicles.