Architecture in Motion

Welldesigned architecture can move our spirit. The Rotunda of the United States Capital in Washington D.C., embodies the beauty, immensity and strength of our nation. While Dr. William Thornton conceived the space in 1793 as part of a design completion, the circular room was completed under the direction of Charles Bulfinch in 1824. This space enraptures visitors with its immense dome, elegant murals and sculptures, and light from numerous windows. The Rotunda remains a stirring backdrop for ceremonies including funerals for national dignitaries. Although minimal in ornamentation, the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago wows pedestrians with its powerful height and cascading form. This 108-story office tower by architect Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Khan with the firm Skidmore, Ownings & Merrill (SOM) stood as the tallest building in the world for three decades after its completion in 1975. While our spirits rise as we experience the monumental architecture of the Rotunda and the Willis Tower, their walls stay still. The foundations supporting the walls are grounded into the earth restricting any movement.

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On Aug. 23 from 1 to 5 p.m., volunteers with the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Atlanta) encourage students to experiment with the traditional philosophy of buildings as stationary elements. Elementary, middle and high school students from metropolitan Atlanta explore architecture with movement during this year’s AIA Atlanta Youth Architecture Fair at the High Museum. Inspired by the Dream Car exhibit at the museum, organizers use Architecture in Motion as the theme for the event. Student admission is free. The fair begins with a brief discussion about the Dream Car exhibit from Porsche designers, Paolo Martin and Chris Bangle, and short keynote address by architect and Georgia Tech professor Ann Gerondelis.

As students sketch the luxurious cars in the Dream Car exhibit and incorporate motion into their design of a small building model under the guidance of AIA Atlanta volunteers, the young attendees may consider numerous questions. Does all or parts of their building move? What are the actual construction materials if the structure is built? Is the building moveable because it can be easily dismantled as a temporary structure? Does the architecture with the model remain stationary, but serves mobile visitors like the ones for the Varsity drive-in? The fair culminates as the students share their inventive building designs with their family, friends and other attendees in the Atrium of the High Museum. Students leave the AIA Atlanta Youth Architecture Fair energized by the informative speeches and fun design activities.

Melody L. Harclerode, AIA, a local architect, promotes the power of architecture and design as the PresidentElect of the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Principal of Harclerode Architects (harcarch.com). For more information, visit aiaatl.org.