ATLANTA CENTRAL LIBRARY

Atlanta, GA

The Atlanta Central Library in Downtown Atlanta is the main library and headquarters of the Atlanta Library System. The building was influenced by  mid-century modernism and the International Style, with the exterior cladding and surface being  Béton Brut (French for “raw concrete”), an architectural aesthetic that later became known as  Brutalism. Opened in 1980, the library was the last work of Hungarian-American architect Marcel Breuer, also known for his ubiquitous bicycle handle bar furniture designs. This building is another example of municipalities reaching out to international-famed architects to deliver statement-level designs.

While searching for the right view for this sketch, I attempted to talk my way into the fourth floor of a secure building across the street, but the security guards weren’t buying my story, so I settle for this street view. The library was in heavy shade from the high- rise buildings surrounding it. I also went inside to study the history of the building. Sitting across from me was a young man afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome, rocking aggressively back-and-forth in his chair and mumbling. Another visitor sitting nearby became irritated and began yelling and threatening the youngster – could have been the start of a Hitchcock movie. After sketching, I walked two miles back to my hotel to complete the second day of the Hotlanta Dance Comp, finishing with a good day of smooth rounds.