Center for Civil and Human Rights Opens in Downtown Atlanta

Center for Civil and Human Rights Opens in Downtown Atlanta

Jun 24, 2014  | Architecture 

Center for Civil and Human Rights Opens in Downtown Atlanta
(Photo by: HOK)

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a new cultural attraction that links the American civil rights movement to modern global human rights struggles, opened its doors to the public this week in Atlanta.

HOK served as architect of record on the 42,000-sq.-ft. museum, in collaboration with design architect Phil Freelon. The Rockwell Group designed the exhibition space.

Showcasing Atlanta’s leadership role in the 20th century American civil rights movement, the landmark building creates an engaging space for visitors to explore the fundamental rights of all human beings so that they leave inspired and empowered to make a difference in their communities.

The sculpted form of the center’s exterior façade is defined by two curved walls that embrace the interactive exhibits and spaces within. Its lower level is anchored by a special gallery dedicated to the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, where visitors can view an archive of personal papers and artifacts of the civil rights pioneer, including his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. A monumental stair connects the lower level to the main lobby above, leading visitors up to a sweeping balcony overlooking Centennial Olympic Park and downtown Atlanta.

Unlike other civil rights museums, which function largely as memorials, the center actively connects the legacy to current global human rights issues.

“We want visitors to understand how the civil rights legacy still applies to the world today and how it can inspire them to take action,” said Doug Shipman, CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, in a recent CNN segment. “These stories about civil and human rights are about individuals taking extraordinary steps in order to better the world. I hope every visitor feels that they are a little more enabled to make the world better in their own way.”

The building, which is designed for LEED Gold certification, incorporates a high-performance exterior wall assembly, state-of-the-art environmental control systems, a green roof and several energy-saving features.

Expected to attract 400,000 visitors annually, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is adjacent to the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola in the heart of downtown Atlanta. It is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Via HOK
Image,video ©: HOK