Metal = Modern
by Jonathan McGaha | October 31, 2013 12:00 am
One of the best things about metal as a construction product is its ability to modernize. A classic example of this has taken place at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in Atlanta, as they have recently opened the Eldridge W. McMillan Academic Sciences Building. It features more than 37,000 square feet of metal composite material (MCM) fabricated and installed by The Miller-Clapperton Partnership Inc., Austell, Ga.
In June 1965, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia authorized a junior college for the west metropolitan area of Atlanta at an undesignated location. After a great deal of discussion, the Atlanta School Board and the Board of Regents made the decision to build the college on land adjacent to Atlanta Area Technical School, which was under the jurisdiction of the Atlanta Board of Education. The first classes began in September 1974 with an initial enrollment of 500 students. As the school has grown through the years, it has transitioned from a two-year college to a state college and now offers four-year programs and bachelor’s degrees. Current enrollment exceeds 2,800.
The campus architecture, for the most part, consists of low-rise brick buildings, such as those shown here, that seem dated and that do not promote visionary, forward thinking.
By contrast, the new Academic Sciences Building looks sleek and modern, and like it would be home to cutting-edge technology inside. This is a bold, fresh look for an aging campus and is just one example of how metal can change perception. We are all in a position as designers, manufacturers, fabricators and installers to drastically transform aging academic institutions, medical facilities, retail centers and corporate campuses through the unlimited potential of metal.
Scott Stafford is the head estimator at The Miller-Clapperton Partnership Inc. in Austell, Ga. For more information, visit www.millerclapperton.com.
Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/articles/metal-modern/