by Brian Libby

A generation ago, the University of Cincinnati was a commonplace American commuter school riddled with surface parking lots, the campus severed by a busy thoroughfare. Despite being nestled in the heart of a large city, it felt suburban. But over the ensuing years, the university has undergone a billion-dollar makeover.

The most recent addition is the 365,000-square-foot (34,000-square-meter) Campus Recreation Center, designed by last year's Pritzker Prize winner, Thom Mayne, and his Santa Monica firm, Morphosis. Collaborators include local firm KZF Design and university architect Ron Kull.

To design their transformation in recent years, the university has invited an impressive assemblage of internationally renowned architects. Frank Gehry, Michael Graves, David Childs/ SOM, and Peter Eisenman all have designed buildings for the institution.   >>>

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The Campus Recreation Center (left), designed by Thom Mayne, forms part of "MainStreet" at the University of Cincinnati. Photo: Lisa Ventre/UC Residential wing. Photo: Lisa Ventre/UC   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.