ARC 551 Design Studio| Field Trip

By: Robert Musial

Location:  Atlanta, Georgia 

Dates:  Wednesday, August 24^th – Sunday, August 31^st

Distance: 448 Miles

Time: 6h 51min

First, why are we going to Atlanta? This semester our design project is on The Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Legacy. The Olympic Legacy is the longer-term benefits and effects to the community and nation hosting the Olympics Games. With that being said we decide to go to Atlanta, GA to look at their 1996 Olympic Legacy project and to also compare the climate to Rio de Janeiro.

On Wednesday, August 24^th at 7:00 AM we were all meeting at Quigley Hall to caravan to Atlanta, GA but, little did I know I had some car troubles in the morning. It started with my car being jump in the morning at my apartment. Then, my car being jump again at a gas station in Marion, IL. It turned out I had a bad battery, so I had it replaced at the local AutoZone. Three hours later we were back on the road. So due to problems with the car we had missed the first tour at Atlanta Marriot Marquis Hotel. While being in Atlanta I was staying with two SIU colleagues that are currently finishing up there M.ARCH at Georgia Tech. They lived in East Atlanta which is an upcoming neighborhood with a lot of development in the area.   

On Thursday, August 25^th we had a firm tour at Perkins + Will in Atlanta. First off, their office is a LEED Platinum office building. They took an existing 1980’s office building and used the concrete structure and used or donated over 80% of demolition debris. They have also created an open workspace where they allowed natural daylight and views while reducing energy. Lastly they have created an amazing terrace. (Picture Included)

Next, we had a tour at the High Museum. The High Museum was design by Richard Meier in 1983 and an addition was added on in 2002 by Renzo Piano. I thought that Richard Meier did an excellence job with allowing natural light into atrium of the museum. Also I thought how he had created the flow throughout the museum was unique. From the ramps connecting each level to how the exhibit space was laid out. To continue I believe that Renzo Piano did a well job with the addition to the high museum. My favorite part of the addition is how the first floor is connected to the outside. Also by created the addition it has also created a court yard outside were they are able to have exhibits outside as well like the Mi Casa Your Casa. Mi Casa Your Casa was an open frame in the shape of a house. (Picture Included)

To end our day we had dinner at Fogo de Chao. Fogo de Chao is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse. At Fogo de Chao it is all you can eat streak house, went you turn your card to green they come out with 16 different cut of meats and will not stop coming until you turn the card to red. Also to end the day it was Professor Gonzalez’s birthday.

 

Perkins + Will

Perkins + Will Terrace

Richard Meier High Museum

Renzo Piano High Museum