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3.2005
C Magazine
Jonathan Barnes - Building Change
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Is Columbus ready to be the next Chicago, or even New York when
it comes to design? Jonathan Barnes, of Jonathan Barnes Architecture
and Design, seems to think so. Upon entering Barnes' dowtown
office, you clearly see the firm's expertise in experimenting
with interesting materials and contemporary design. From the
light fixture bouquet of bulbs imported from Holland to the
entire wall of the conference room actually opening like giant,
sideways blinds to the architectural camouflage from Germany
hanging as curtains over a bookshelf, Barnes' firm is always
experimenting with fun, new ways to use multi-functional materials.
A native of Columbus, Barnes attended Miami University and holds
a graduate degree from Harvard. Soon after beginning his career
with a firm in Chicago, Barnes found himself drawn toward an
international experience in architecture. "I arrived in
Milan with just two suitcases, no job and the idea of staying
for a few months," he recalls.
Barnes ended up working for three years at one of the best architecture
firms in Italy. Eventually he brought his newfound European
point of view to Columbus and opened his own architecture firm.
Influenced by modern European architecture, Barnes is pioneering
the contemporary trend here in Columbus, continually pushing
for edgier designs. "We're trying to create excitement
about the architecture here in Columbus by taking risks with
design and being different; we want people to visit Columbus
just to see the architecture of a new building."
With the current trend toward more downtown housing, Barnes
is beginning to realize some of his contemporary designs for
city living. "I love the potential in Columbus to grow
and do interesting projects," he says. "Once everyone
starts to accept the edgier style and make it more well-known,
then change will begin to take place and edgy won't be so different."
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153 EAST MAIN STREET SUITE
300 COLUMBUS, OH 43215 TEL: 614.228.7311 FAX: 614.228.7552
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