Even though the signature architect program and the Master Plan are still under way, the administration is thrilled with the progress. Both have exceeded expectations in significant ways.
The most obvious result is the international media exposure received. In 1996, stories related to the signature architect program appeared in the "New York Times" twice, the "Washington Post," "USA Today," the "Christian Science Monitor," "Architecture" magazine and many other publications around the world. The Aronoff Center's design was even selected for inclusion in prestigious international exhibitions.
In July of that year, the "New York Times" wrote, "Cincinnati is one of the most architecturally dynamic campuses in America today." Three months later, the "Washington Post" added: "When it was deciding on its adventurous building program, the university embarked upon an equally venturesome master planning process. The document they produced, and the steps they . . . are taking to carry out its mandates, are in many ways models for the healing of America's stressed campuses."
Beyond the publicity, "little subtleties have come out in ways we never expected," Kull says. "For example, since DAAP's new building opened, the average SAT score of college applicants has been higher than ever." In addition, the college receives so many requests from civic and business organizations wanting to conduct meetings there that staff have to turn down most of them.
The least obvious benefit is no less important. From the beginning, the Master Plan intended to herald campus diversity through the interesting mix of highly acclaimed architectural creations. After all, UC's extensive diversity among its students, faculty and disciplines is a valuable quality in the '90s.
Once the signature architect projects are completed, all seven will be located within walking distance of each other. At that time, UC will have the unique distinction of being the only place on earth where one can see such a significant collection of architectural masterpieces within such close proximity to each other, as President Joseph Steger likes to boast.
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