Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank
Georgia Tech Design Studio / 2012 / Atlanta, GA / collaboration with Charles Parrish / supervised by Jihan Sherman
This proposal seeks to rectify the imposing bank building's negative effect on the underused plaza in the heart of an otherwise Midtown Atlanta neighborhood. A deep, curving setback allows for more direct travel across the lot, inviting greater foot traffic in the plaza. A ground floor public art gallery and full height atrium lower the sense of separation between the government structure and the public streetscape. The recessed facade and steel canopy enclose large, yet intimate and inviting spaces. The geometry of the floorplates and the structure of the facade were inspired by a deconstructive study of basket weaving.
Despite the radical alterations to the property, iconic elements are preserved and adapted into the new scheme. The four marble columns in front of the east facade are left untouched, but become more accessible than before as the new gateway to the main walkway across the site. The new steel canopy matches the pearl white aesthetic of the formerly marble paneled facade. The resulting space is reminiscent of its predecessor, but more in the character of a sleek, active, and still developing neighborhood.