Historian Zane Miller says it looks like something he drew in grade school.
Jerry Galvin says it looks like a hamburger molecule. “Superimpose a chart of the hamburger molecule on it and I think you’ll find it’s a perfect match.”
Architect Mike Finn says it looks like it doesn’t belong in Cincinnati. “It’s awkward, to say the least.”
Indeed, to say the least, the new University Hospital Molecular Sciences Building is rather unusual. It’s either wonderful or weird, depending on what you think of melted rectangles, curving walls, leaning towers and crooked windows.
It’s like Silly Putty on a hot day.
When the model of the $35 million building was unveiled recently, some people had to blink their eyes to make sure they hadn’t drifted into The Twilight Zone. But to others, it was heaven.
“I don’t know why every building in Cincinnati has to be a rectangle,” developer and former mayor Arn Bortz says. “This town needs to loosen up.”
“It’s a step in the right direction,” civil engineer Herbert Preul adds. “This is pleasing to me.”
To University of Cincinnati officials, the rubbery-looking building is serious stuff. They don’t like to hear it called a melted mess. “Certainly, it’s different and it will stand out, but it’s by a world-renowned architect and it’s stimulating and creative,” University Hospital spokeswoman Sandy Prell said.
But, she was asked, wouldn’t you admit that it’s just a little bit funny-looking?
“Of course not,” Prell said.
The structure was designed by Los Angeles architect Frank Gehry, whose trademark is buildings that are-take your pick-(a) innovative or (b) goofy. “For Gehry, it’s absolutely sedate,” said UC spokesman Greg Hand.
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