By Melody Harclerode
My first love was architecture. As a youngster, I drew floor plans instead of hearts. I relished my father’s tours of the homes from his bricklaying projects. I adored visits to interesting buildings and treasured the sun-drenched spaces of my parochial school. Unfortunately, my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi, like most cities years ago, offered few organized events to nurture a student’s interest for designing and exploring buildings. Now, high school students in metropolitan Atlanta can apply their design skills and explore local architecture through numerous events and programs.
The AIA Atlanta High School Design Competition annually give some of the most promising future architects and designers in the state of Georgia the opportunity to challenge and expand their understanding of architecture. Ninety-three high school students from as far as Dahlonega submitted designs for a shelter to temporarily house at least eight people during the spring. The designs incorporated environmentally friendly features, such as regional materials and solar power as an alternative energy source. On April 21, family, friends and the community of architects and educators celebrated the students’ work with a reception and awards ceremony at the Woodruff Arts Center.
Maurice Hickman from South Atlanta School of Computer and Animation Design (C.A.D.) in Atlanta earned the first place award and $2,000 for his thoughtful design concept, strong use of sustainable materials and systems, deft exploration of space, and wide range of spectacular drawings. Samuel O’Donnell from Creekview High School in Canton merited second place and $1000 for his eye-catching presentation and compelling design. Steven Yang from Kell High School in Marietta secured third place and $500 with his striking hand-drawn illustrations and understanding of construction materials and methods. These young men improved their chances of admission into architectural schools with their awards.
While the competition resumes in late 2011, students have other chances for architectural exploration. For instance, AIA Atlanta organizes public tours of newly constructed and renovated buildings around the metropolitan area from April until November. Most of these tours are free. This month, the public can walk through the new Atlanta Fire Rescue Department Station #11 near Midtown. People can also check out the sensitive renovation of the historic Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Building in downtown Atlanta in July and the Hamilton Mill Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library in August. You will see me at several of these events. My love for architectural tours remains strong decades after the ones with my father.
Melody L. Harclerode, AIA, a local architect, promotes the power of architecture and design as a Board Member of the Atlanta chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Principal of Harclerode Architects (harc-arch.com). For more information about these programs, check out aiaatlanta.org.