The Node

Georgia State University: Graduate School of New and Emerging Media

Year 5 | Fall 2021

Site: Atlanta, GA

Professor Justin Miller

Node: noun technical

“a point (or in plural several points) at which lines or pathways intersect or branch; a central or connecting point.” “the intersections of two or more such arteries would clearly become major nodes of traffic and urban activity.”

This project challenges traditional ideas towards a design for a new media graduate school appropriate for the era of constantly evolving information networks. The school will function as the fora for advanced media studies, providing opportunities for exchange of ideas among current and future leaders of the field.

This academic center for new emerging and inventive mixed-use media is a node for faculty and students to gather and practice dynamic collaborative behavior. It is a center that fosters connective collaboration and creative expression.

The building explores the intention of physical space and interactions in an increasingly digitalized world. It is an architectural project that encourages unexpected encounters between people intersected with visual connections and spaces for development and expression. The main design move is the development of the central lobby space that allows for networking, informative broadcasting, and creative exhibition. The intertwined circulation system is a centralized vertical ascension system.

Site plan with urban context and topography condition and section cuts

SITE PLAN

Scale: 1/64” = 1’0”

Front Elevation

Interior perspectives of the center atrium space, “Creative Cloud” of projecting program spaces into open atrium. Vertical circulation pass expresses surprise encounters, framed views, and active engagement.