By: Jessica Hamilton
Originally built in 1986, Carl H. Lindner Hall lies on Sigma Sigma Commons, a shining jewel in the University of Cincinnati’s social commons. The building is named after Carl H. Lindner Jr., philanthropist and billionaire businessman. He grew up in Norwood, where his family owned a dairy business. Led by his father, Carl Lindner Sr., the family would build United Dairy Farms. Their company became more profitable as they cut out the middleman, selling straight from farmer to consumer. On his own, Carl H. Lindner Jr. founded and became chairman of the board of American Financial Group Inc. The Lindner name is commonplace in the university and Cincinnati as a whole, thanks to the philanthropic actions of Carl. H. Lindner.
Renovation on the building began in 2016, with construction lasting until its grand opening in 2019. The project was completed by Danish Henning Larsen Architects, with offices and projects across the globe. When thinking about the design of the building, designers made sure to create a space that suited socialization and encouraged pedestrian passage. Architects from Henning Larsen actually started their process by observing how students at the time moved about the old space. Their overarching goal was to create a hall that was a gathering space as much as it was an academic building.
The structure is shaped by four pieces with glass paneling and sloping roofs. On the ground floor, there is a large atrium with a glass ceiling inviting light into the space. Continuing the theme of socialization, there are extended stairs with plenty of seating options around the space. A similarly open space is the two courtyards, inviting more light and breath even within the building. The design is highly recognized within Cincinnati, winning the Cincinnati Design Award for Building Architecture in 2019.
A unique aspect of Lindner Hall is the eco-conscious design which earned it a LEED v4 Gold Certification. To receive such a certification, a building must earn a certain amount of points based on carbon impact, eco-conscious material, water management, energy performance, and air quality. One element that helped get them points is a vegetated roof that is visible from the upper floors of neighboring buildings, like Langsam Library. Functionally, the roof also collects rainwater which is later used to cool off the building when temperature rises. Changes like this dramatically impact annual energy costs for the building. When comparing it to similar campus buildings, the cost cut is 29%.
With the renovation the functionality of the space increased greatly, with a reported 70% more classroom space than the building previous. Within the building there is a brand-new 235-seat lecture hall, 5 research labs, administrative offices, study rooms, and a cafe on its main floor. Overall, the hall is suited for all students, staff, and alumni that use its various spaces.
Under such innovation architecturally and academically, the College of Business has flourished. Through Cincinnati’s co-op programs students are given opportunities for hands-on learning in professional settings, placing them ahead of others pursuing the same path. The program continues to rise in the ranks holding excellent rankings include the #1 full-time MBA in the state of Ohio and growing in the top 100 in the country. Lindner Hall creates an academic space for a future where sustainability and community thrive side by side, honoring the vision and legacy that Carl H. Lindner had left for the college.
Sources:
https://libraries.uc.edu/libraries/arb/collections/university-archives/buildings.html
https://www.uc.edu/news/0919/lindners-lasting-legacy.html
https://business.uc.edu/about/carl-h-lindner-jr.html
https://www.udfinc.com/about-udf/
https://henninglarsen.com/projects/university-of-cincinnati-carl-h-lindner-college-of-business
https://business.uc.edu/about/carl-h-lindner-jr/legacy.html
https://cincinnatidesignawards.com/entry/university-of-cincinnati-lindner-college-of-business/
https://www.usgbc.org/leed/v41#bdc
Cover image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lindner_Hall_exterior.jpg