Nov 15, 2022 _ news

Mention, Merit, Honor: GBBN Earns Recognitions at the Cincinnati Design Awards

Three GBBN designs recently won recognitions at the Cincinnati Design Awards (CDA). Dedicated to “celebrating the best built environment designs by Cincinnati-area creative firms,” this year’s jurors singled out GBBN’s work at Willkommen on Vine, the Andrew J Brady Music Center, and the Taft Museum of Art for accolades.

Willkommen on Vine won an AIA Honor Award in the Large-Scale Building category. The only building in its category to win an Honor Award, Willkommen on Vine is part of the largest addition of affordable housing to Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood in decades. Along with its companions on Republic and Pleasant Streets, Willkommen is dedicated to the simple principle that there is no conflict between affordability, the delight of good design, and celebrating the city’s historic fabric. Its most striking feature is its undulating brick wall—a contemporary take on the neighborhood’s historic oriels—that provides privacy and comfort to residents while enriching the busy street below. Read about Willkommen here.

The Andrew J Brady Music Center won an AIA Merit Award in the Large-Scale Building category. Seated along the Ohio River, the design creates a transition between downtown Cincinnati and its riverfront that transforms the pedestrian experience of the Banks. Marked by clean sightlines within the venue that ensure an excellent concert experience, the lobby and lounges also enjoy beautiful views of the river, Smale Park, and Cincinnati’s iconic Roebling Bridge. Read about the Brady here.

The Taft Museum of Art won Honorable Mention in the Historic Preservation category. When damage was discovered within the façade of the Historic Taft House, a thorough and innovative restoration was undertaken to ensure its long-term resilience. Removing the exterior siding and windows, piece by piece, the team evaluated and repaired or replaced each. At the same time, the wood structure beneath was stabilized, HVAC and fire protection systems were updated, wall cavities were insulated, and a rainscreen was added before putting the siding back in place. By its nature, this work is largely invisible to the public, but it will extend the life of the historic house another century. Read more about the Taft here.

Learn more about the CDA’s and see their gallery of winners here.