University of Cincinnati, Gardner Neuroscience Institute

Three sides of the building’s exterior are wrapped in a gossamer mesh scrim stretched across a sculpted frame that extends three feet beyond the glass curtain wall, covering the cantilevered east, west, and south sides of the second-through-fourth levels where treatment areas and workspaces are located. The exterior mesh is made of a specialised polyester fiber that serves to control light and heat.

Working with the architect, Schuler Shook developed a lighting design that gives the tensile mesh a soft glow and an airy quality that supports the ​“floating” appearance of the building over its base. The fixture finish was selected in white, to blend with the architecture during the day, and has a snoot accessory for additional glare control. This is critical for many neurological patients, as glare can be visually disorienting.

The lighting design for the three-story, angular material provides striking visual interest on campus.