In what represents significant progress with a very positive trend, the Cleveland Institute of Art has announced their selection of one of the world's most respected hip young architecture firms, MVRDV [1], to design the new campus for CIA. Based out of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the new CIA design will be MVRDV's first work in North America. Add this to the selection by MOCA of Foreign Office Architects [2] of London, for their new museum and we have two of the hot creative properties in the world focusing their best efforts on two of NEO's most important institutions and design projects, both located within strolling distance in the University Circle redevelopment area called "The Triangle."
Having looked at the websites of both firms, it is clear we can expect very innovative outcomes from these projects, and they will have very positive impacts on the pride and reputation of the community, not to mention quality of life. Steven Litt wrote a great article on the CIA decision in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, here [3]... it really captures the excitement building around University Circle, quoting David Deming, president of the art institute, saying "This has been my dream since the day I arrived here" nine years ago.
Of course we have some other interesting contemporary architecture in University Circle, and that is part of its identity. I hope we see continue this trend toward making Cleveland a world leader in the exhibition of innovative architecture.