Atlanta has a lot of monikers: The city in the forest, the Hollywood of the South, the city too busy to hate, a “Black mecca.” But it’s never been known for design.
On Dec. 2, Atlanta civic leaders sat down with Mayor Andre Dickens for an Atlanta Way 2.0 “Design Roundtable” at Perkins&Will to talk about the city’s design future. Local architect Melody Harclerode and Maria Saporta, the founder of civic nonprofit Atlanta Way 2.0 and SaportaReport moderated the fireside chat.
“We want one of our monikers to be a city that people can enjoy the design of,” Dickens explained. “To really do that, to achieve that, we have to make it intentional.”
Dickens acknowledged there are some challenges when it comes to “design,” which centers around cohesive architecture, urban planning and an all-around “look” for the city’s buildings and spaces.
The mayor explained “cohesion” is a bit of a task for Atlanta, a city known for its neighborhoods. Rather than sharing the street they live on, most residents will declare they’re part of Collier Heights of Virginia Highland.
“Folks deep into the neighborhood focus on maintaining what already exists,” Dickens said.
Each neighborhood has its own characteristics and priorities. Some want density, others want tree cover. Dickens has pushed for development along corridors instead, using studies along the city’s major roadways to plan for the redevelopment of underperforming corridors.
As the city continues redeveloping major corridors, Dickens is focused on two things. The first is the actual design:
“I think there should be a shared vision for architecture,” Dickens said.
He continued, “I understand the balancing of affordability with design elements and having some character that reflects the community.”
But Dickens pointed out that he lacks any architectural expertise. This is where the crowd jumped in. Design professionals took to the mic to pitch a Chief Design Officer, Chief Architect or even a design commission. Dickens said he would be open to a roundtable on the ideas.
“I’m saying I’m up for that, but I’m not going to go alone,” Dickens said.
The mayor is seemingly looking at his long-term legacy as he kicks off his second term, which brings up his second focus — making Atlanta “the best city in America to raise a child.”
Dickens has said the phrase before, but on Dec. 2, he elaborated and extended it to all “vulnerable people,” including children, disabled people, and senior citizens. He wants to ensure the big design ideas are helping those people, too.
“I want us to have balanced growth,” Dickens said.
The mayor said he has a “bold vision” for his hometown, and it involves plenty of ideas: development on the south side, grocery access for all, hundreds of acres of greenspace minutes from every home, and beautiful architecture.
“I have a lot of ideas, but I’m careful to not be like ‘this is the only way to go,'” Dickens said. “Let’s go about this together. I’m not opposed to hearing opposing opinions.”
Atlanta Way 2.0 plans to reconvene the Atlanta Design Roundtable group again in February to drive the action behind some key design issues mentioned on Dec. 2.
A Wonderful Planning Concept which is Long Overdue!!!
I was so excited to see this group of engaged design professionals come together to share their vision for our city with the Mayor. This is just one way Atlanta Way 2.0 works in the community! We help convene conversations, connect individuals and groups, and find collaborative solutions to some of Atlanta’s biggest challenges. Thank you for sharing the event! If others want to bring community together, AW2.0 can help! Become an Activator on our website and let us know what work you need help moving forward!