2025 Exhibit Columbus symposium opens with introduction of Miller Prize winners

These design professionals will have nearly four months to come up with preliminary ideas and concepts that will be brought to Columbus for discussion in February, McCoy said. After receiving feedback from stakeholders, the ideas are be fully developed into an exhibition that will begin in August 2025, he said.

Besides having travel expenses covered, each of the four chosen firms will receive $75,000 that can be used for design and/or construction, McCoy said.

When asked why his firm applied to become a Miller Prize recipient, Barnes described Exhibit Columbus as “really a big deal” to many architects across the country. He told the audience he has always been a fan of the program, and feels humble about being given the opportunity to be a part of the fifth cycle.

”I think it’s an amazing mission and an amazing process,” the Miami, Florida architect said.

Although Barnes garnered some laughs by joking about re-imagining a parking garage, he says the assignment gives him the opportunity to design something that ties into the larger culture of Columbus, as well as the local automotive subculture.

Cooke John describes Exhibit Columbus as “a powerful extension of the story of architecture in Columbus.” She said that being assigned the sunken courtyard at First Christian Church fits with a concept she has about making multiple realities become true.

For example, the viewer can engage with the sunken courtyard from both above and below,the New York architect explained. Cooke John said she also needs to think of her design from the perspective of visitors who come to Columbus to see all of the sights.

For Vinz, being selected a Miller Prize recipient and being assigned the historic Crump Theatre is both an amazing opportunity and a great compliment, he said.

The project will involve digging through all historic aspects of the 150-year-old theatre that includes the Art Deco features, the Chicago resident said. At this time, Vinz said he plans to dig through several aspects of the structure to determine how the Crump contributes to the city’s heritage. A large part of his goal will be providing ideas and concepts of how the theatre can thrive in the future, he said.

The staff of Exhibit Columbus was described by Admassu as organized and very thoughtful. He said there always seems to be care taken to allow architects to question stakeholders.

“When we got the invitation to submit, we thought (the former Irwin Block building) was an ideal setting to begin deciding the scale of some of our ideas,” the New York architect and designer said.

Since the building is now vacant and may be sold soon, Wood said the AD-WO studio in New York will have to gather details and stakeholder information that may not be available at this time.

Founded in 2016, Exhibit Columbus is a platform that celebrates the intersection of art, architecture and community, McCoy said Friday. He also told the audience there is a special reason why his organization was created.

“Art and culture are the drivers of social cohesion,” McCoy said. “They create a sense of community, belonging and place. Art and culture brings people together in ways that transcends differences.”

While the theme of this year’s symposium is “Yes, And,” McCoy said the same idea can be described as “What’s Next?” for already-established sites in the city.