100 Word Description: The design of the Center is driven by the idea of creating a Space for Action. This concept is inspired by great urban spaces from around the world that are synonymous with historic civil and human rights events such as the National Mall in Washington, Tiananmen Square in Beijing and Tahrir Square in Cairo. The two curved walls of the Center define not only the interior spaces but also the urban setting that forms the broader Space for Action. The 43,000sf program features immersive exhibit galleries, meeting space, lobbies, a retail venue as well as building and staff support space.
Architect’s Statement: While elements of the Civil Rights struggle in the US have been explored by other institutions, the Center for Civil and Human Rights (the Center) is the first to present civil and human rights in a series of exhibits that amplify the historic and thematic connections between the two. In doing so the Center with its architecture and exhibits conveys the spirit of the US Civil Rights movement and places this important chapter of US history in the context of the ongoing Human Rights struggles around the world.The 43,000 sf program features immersive exhibit galleries, meeting space, lobbies, a retail venue plus support space. The Center’s program also accommodates an active agenda focused on advancing human rights the world over.Inspired by great urban spaces from around the world, the Center is designed to be a Space for Action. Its two curved walls define not only the interior spaces, but also the urban setting that forms the broader Space for Action. The lower level entrance features a plaza with a glass and steel water sculpture. The upper-level plaza faces an elliptical pedestrian park that connects the Center to the World of Coca-Cola and the Georgia Aquarium. The two plazas are connected along the building’s east side by a sweeping exterior stair and terraced landscape of indigenous grasses and native shade trees.The building program is arranged on three levels. The lower level features the special gallery dedicated to the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. collection and a large multi-purpose room overlooking the lower plaza. A monumental stair connects the lower level to the main lobby above. An array of east-facing windows transform this stair into a chapel-like experience bringing daylight deep into the building.The main lobby is situated on the middle floor of the three-story structure. From there, visitors enter the Civil Rights exhibit gallery where the story of the American Civil Rights movement, is told. A second stairway leads visitors up to a sweeping balcony overlooking the lobby and the city beyond. At this point, another portal invites visitors to enter the Human Rights exhibit gallery. Both the Civil Rights and Human Rights exhibits culminate on the upper floor in an elliptical gallery of shared accomplishments that opens to the balcony and lounge.Expressing human diversity, the two curving walls that define the building’s exterior form are clad in architectural panels of varying sizes and earth tones. A green roof features an extensive planting system that contributes to the environmentally sensitive and sustainable design.
Type of Construction: The building structure is cast in place, post tensioned concrete with perimeter columns that tilt with the slope of the walls. The large walls are clad in a phenolic resin panel rainscreen. The south end-wall is a 38ft custom glass curtainwall and the north end-wall is a perforated metal panel screen above glass storefront.
