Towrs

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This is the tower that symbolizes Atlanta's emergence into the 21st Century. 1180 Peachtree embraces the new modernist style in skyscraper design, moving beyond the black glass of the 1960's, the white concrete of the 1970's, the beige stucco of the 1990's.

More importantly, it signals Atlanta's intention to diverge from the urban examples like New York and Chicago that came before it. Instead of creating dark, smothering canyons, buildings like 1180 use natural light, setbacks, and podiums to create a more welcoming environment -- one where skyscrapers can work with people and the environment, rather than oppress them.

A thoroughly modern tower, 1180 Peachtree's facade exists as two parallel walls of blue-green glass under a grid of silver spandrels. As they reach the upper reaches of the building, they curve slightly inward. In practical terms, they shield the rooftop mechanical elements from being seen. Aesthetically, however, they create a sense of wonder; giving people an opportunity to imagine what might be up there. A hidden luxury penthouse? A private garden? An area for exclusive parties? While the truth is rather more mundane, an architect that can bring wonder to a viewer accomplishes a feat that motion picture directors strive for -- to use their creation to evoke emotion in others.

This building's external grid is supplemented by visible structural elements at the top of the building, supporting the curves. In a sense, this building has "good bones" and isn't afraid to show them off. But they're more than just decorative. Putting the metal elements on the outside creates more room for offices inside, and provides a small amount of shadows to help defray cooling costs.