The John S. and James L. Knight Building was designed by Wolf Prix, principal of the Viennese architectural co-op, Coop Himmelb(l)au. The firm was chosen during an international competition that drew dozens of design bids.
Coop Himmelb(l)au is known for their work throughout Europe, including the Academy of Fine Arts building in Munich (2005), the "Apartment Building Gasometer B" conversion in Vienna (2001), and the Museum Pavilion in Groningen, Netherlands (1994). The Akron Art Museum is their first building in North America.
The use of the parentheses gives the firm's name a dual meaning. In German, "coop" has a similar meaning to the English "co-op." "Himmel" means sky or heaven in German, and "blau" means "blue" while "bau" means "building." So, the name can mean "Blue Sky" or "Sky Building."
Coop Himmelb(l)au is known for their work throughout Europe, including the Academy of Fine Arts building in Munich (2005), the "Apartment Building Gasometer B" conversion in Vienna (2001), and the Museum Pavilion in Groningen, Netherlands (1994). The Akron Art Museum is their first building in North America.
The use of the parentheses gives the firm's name a dual meaning. In German, "coop" has a similar meaning to the English "co-op." "Himmel" means sky or heaven in German, and "blau" means "blue" while "bau" means "building." So, the name can mean "Blue Sky" or "Sky Building."