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Cincinnati Convention Center Renovation & Expansion

Cincinnati, Ohio

This sculptural combination of supergraphics and architecture is a direct expression of the renovated and expanded Cincinnati Convention Center 's vision of outreach to communities near and far. Up close it's been called “an interactive urban icon”, and as one travels by this dynamic three dimensional façade from afar, ten foot sign panels with metal halide fixtures integrated into the architectural superstructure act as a billboard suspended in space and bring focus to the dense urban surrounding.

As an expression of the vision, the architecture of this $100 million expansion has a major glassed-in spine running the length of the center, emphasizing visual and cultural connection. The supergraphics also weave the indoors and out together with the “T” landing within this spine, and a three story colored graphic wall.   The lighting challenge was to highlight these dramatic moves while creating an environment that responds to the myriad of functional needs of a convention center.

Moving from the cool colors of the spine which express the center's link to the Ohio River, one enters the swirling warmth of the 40,000 square foot ballroom.  Layers of light respond to layers of scrim and provide a variety of options for quality and quantity of light.  Groupings of metal halides switched individually for four levels of intensity provide downlight. Groupings of three indcandescents highlight the scrims, and teardrop clusters of xenon lamps bring chandelier sparkle to the space.  The ballroom system can achieve a range of effects – from a 2 footcandle romantic dinner setting, to a thirty footcandle business lunch, or a 100 footcandle exhibition.

HLB's collaboration with LMN Architects for this 730,000 gross square foot project included lighting design for the ballroom, meeting rooms, lobbies, prefunction, public concourses, site and façade.

The lighting design for this project has received an IIDA Award of Merit and A/L Light & Architecture Award of Merit.