Photos courtesy Construction Specialties
Nestled within Midtown Atlanta stands FORTY FIVE, an architectural project that combines residential, academic, and wellness facilities on the grounds of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Offering residence to more than 400 art students, FORTY FIVE provides more than just a place to stay. Lounge spaces, laundry facilities, and a rooftop pool are just a few of the amenities—the complex also includes a 700-seat mainstage, a 150-seat black box theater, a courtyard for outdoor productions, and 2,508 m2 (27,000 sf)
dedicated solely to academic pursuits.
SCAD’s forward-thinking approach to higher education architecture has been encapsulated by Mackey Mitchell Architects and Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative. The design includes unique twisted sunshades from Construction Specialties (CS), which give an illusion of movement from the street level, capturing SCAD’s dynamic, creative spirit.
Jennifer Wilkins, principal architect at Mackey Mitchell Architects, says when it came to SCAD’s approach to the built environment, “SCAD is really unlike any other higher-education institution I’ve ever worked with. Their forward-thinking approach prioritizes preparing students for creative careers, and this shines through in their infrastructure investments.”
Surroundings and sunshades
“Part of the goal of this project was public-facing elements like the theater could really have a presence on the street,” says Wilkins. During the design process, Mackey Mitchell Architects explored ways to fit the complex’s solid volume within its surroundings.
Ambiance and minimizing solar heat gain were major contributors to the overall functionality and sustainability of FORTY FIVE.
Rodd Workman of Specialty Products of the Carolinas, which served as the architectural rep firm for the project says, “By reducing glare, the twisted sunshades create a more comfortable interior where students can work.” Workman says by reducing solar heat gain on the building this has had a positive impact on energy usage to power HVAC systems. This also reduces operating cost, while providing exceptional views, ultimately impacting occupants’ wellbeing and contributes to a healthy indoor environment.
Workman says the design team’s creativity and vision to utilize a product in this way impacts all that teach and learn at this institution, and one insight learned along the way, “Having a great team is an absolute must on this type of project.”
Enter twisted sunshades from Construction Specialties. Developed to give designers a new tool for unique facade designs, these shading systems give an illusion of movement, capturing the essence of SCAD. The twisted sunshade system is a metal extrusion with a consistent twist throughout its length. The blades can be mounted starting at varying angles, catering to different design needs, and are available in two distinct blade types:
- 304 mm (12 in.) airfoil blades that have a maximum twist rate of 5.625 degrees per foot.
- 50.8 x 304 mm (2 x 12 in.) rectangular tube blades with a maximum twist rate of 4.375 degrees per foot.
The blades can be mounted starting at varying angles, catering to different design needs, and are available in two distinct blade types.
Project manager Forrest Shaw with Southeastern Architectural Systems, says, “We were fortunate enough to be able to go check out CS’s facility and watch the process. People think it’s just twisted metal, but what they’re able to do is pretty remarkable. They can take a straight-as-an-arrow piece of aluminum, twist it for about 20 seconds, and then it’s ready to go.”
Next gen impacts
Functionally, the sunshades reduce glare and allow a filtered light ambiance within the building. They also minimize solar heat gain, translating into lowered energy costs for the structure. The fixed facade barrier they provide enhances the overall safety and security of the building.
FORTY FIVE stands as a testament to SCAD’s commitment to providing its students with unparalleled experiences, all while pushing architectural boundaries.
Workman feels SCAD is an institution where students and faculty are very creative, they’re very talented, and they come to a space every day to learn and to teach. “I think something as unique as the twisted sunshade helped the design team come up with a project that makes people feel welcome and very proud to be at the college. Every day there are people attending the SCAD campus that will be impacted in a positive way by the look of this dynamic facade. I can’t help but believe this will provide inspiration for years to come.”