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Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts Completion

We’re thrilled to announce the completion and opening of Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts at Spelman College!

Founded in 1881, Spelman is a historically Black college and a global leader in the education of women of African descent. The new Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts is designed to amplify Spelman’s existing strengths in the arts and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) by setting up interactive relationships among these disciplines in a learning environment centered on collaboration.

The first building to be located just outside the campus’ historic gates, the Center is also designed to welcome the public into Spelman’s vibrant mix of people, ideas, and art—strengthening the College’s commitment to positive social change by forming new connections between higher education and the Westside Atlanta community.

The building’s upper floors are organized around two distinct hubs for collaboration. The first, located at the prominent southwest corner, is the light-filled Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab—an interdisciplinary maker space where students from across the College come together to produce collaborative work using shared, state-of-the-art tools. The second hub, located at the heart of the Center, is the flexible Forum where students gather to present and discuss their work, learning how to develop their ideas through engaging multiple perspectives. Lit from above by a great skylight, the Forum can be seen by everyone in the surrounding spaces and is shaped to enable students from different majors to engage directly or obliquely with the pin-ups, performances, and other activities taking place.

The upper volume of the building shades the recessed ground floor to create a cool and inviting outdoor porch that overlooks soft gardens and rainwater swales. This comfortable threshold space connects the neighborhood with the building’s interior, where a theater, gallery, and dance studios support Spelman students to share their work and talents with the public—allowing the creative energy generated within the building to grow as it meets the community and the wider world.

Expressing a visual lightness that reflects its light carbon footprint, the architecture resonates with the historic campus and simultaneously signals Spelman’s contemporary trajectory. Patterned sunshades and screens on the upper levels are tuned to the angles of the sun to reduce energy use while allowing in natural light. Together with the bricks that ground the College’s color palette in the local Georgia clay, these layered, lightweight elements point to an environmental future where Black women and the knowledge and experiences of the African diaspora lead the way.

Project Team:
Client: Spelman College
Owner Representative: BDR
Design Architect and Architect of Record: Studio Gang
Associate Architect: Goode Van Slyke Architecture
Landscape Architect: SCAPE Landscape Architecture
Structural and Façade Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
MEP Engineer and Sustainability Consultant: dbHMS
Civil Engineer: Long Engineering
Lighting Consultant: Morlights
Acoustics Consultant: Threshold Acoustics
Theater Consultant: Theatre Projects
AV/IT Consultant: Newcomb & Boyd
Cost Estimator: Venue
Utilities Engineer: RMF Engineering
General Contractor and Cost Consultant: Turner Construction Company
Commissioning Agent: Air Analysis, Inc

Paul Van Slyke Earns Membership with Lambda Alpha International

We are excited to announce that Paul Van Slyke has been voted into membership with the Atlanta Chapter of Lambda Alpha International (LAI), a distinguished honor recognizing his contributions to the field of land economics and urban development.

LAI is a global organization that brings together professionals dedicated to the advancement of land use and real estate through networking, education, and the sharing of best practices. With this designation, Paul joins a select group of industry leaders who are dedicated to shaping the future of our communities.

Paul’s membership with LAI highlights his dedication to making a positive impact on communities and advancing the built environment. We look forward to seeing his continued leadership and partnership with this prestigious organization.

GVSA On Topic: Terminus & Tomorrow – History and Opportunity in Atlanta’s Railroad Gulch

Goode Van Slyke Architecture presents ‘GVSA On Topic’ – A Lecture and Discussion Series Addressing Architecture and Urbanism in Atlanta.

We were thrilled to kick off our ‘GVSA On Topic’ series with the event Terminus & Tomorrow: History and Opportunity in Atlanta’s Railroad Gulch.

The evening took a deep dive into the fascinating history of Underground Atlanta and the Railroad Gulch, exploring the exciting projects transforming this iconic space into a vibrant neighborhood. GVSA’s own Jeff Morrison led the discussion, uncovering layers of history beneath Atlanta’s streets while sharing updates on projects reshaping the heart of the city.

Special thanks to our guest speakers—April Stammel, Lyle Baldes, and Jacob Vallo—who enriched the conversation with their insights and updates on the transformation of South Downtown.

This event was presented in partnership with the Atlanta Design Festival, which celebrates and connects creative industries, showcasing Atlanta as a global hub of innovation. We are grateful to all who joined us, from friends and colleagues to design professionals, and we look forward to welcoming you to our next lecture in the series!

GVSA Aviation Studio

GVSA is an innovative, award-winning architectural firm. Since our inception we have earned a reputation for being good listeners and having the ability to take programs beyond their perceived limits during design. We have built a portfolio of work based on the value of doing good work through good design with exceptional service. GVSA has become notable for creative thinking, quick delivery, flexibility of service and an ability to really hear the needs of the client and end-user. Our extensive portfolio spans various sectors, demonstrating our deep expertise and commitment to excellence in each project, including our specialized work in the aviation sector. Our portfolio includes a diverse range of aviation projects, from commercial airports to private airstrips. We prioritize functionality, safety, and passenger experience in every design.

Norris Hunt, Director of Aviation and Special Projects – With 41 years of experience, Norris excels in managing diverse architectural projects, from aviation to mixed-use developments. His attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction ensure the highest quality outcomes.

Kelvin Hall, Associate Director of Aviation and Special Projects – Kelvin has 28 years of experience in design, production, and project management across various architectural sectors including aviation and mission critical. He emphasizes constant communication with all involved in the project, ensuring successful project outcomes.

Check out the video of the Concourse D module move here.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Concourse D Widening

History was made as the first module of the Concourse D expansion project was successfully transported on April 24, 2024! This groundbreaking project, a joint venture with Corgan, is revolutionizing airport construction with innovative modular design.

Thanks to Mammoet’s expertise in heavy lifting and transport, the project is soaring to new heights! The modular approach ensures minimal disruption, keeping gates open and passengers moving smoothly.

From strategic phasing to precision execution, every step is transforming the world’s busiest airport.  Check out the highlight video here.

 

 

Redevelopment of James Allen Jr. Place Recognized with Award of Excellence

GVSA is thrilled to share that, in collaboration with Columbia Residential, our team served as the architects for the award-winning James Allen Jr. Place project. This project has received the prestigious Redevelopment Award of Excellence from the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA). Huge thanks to everyone involved in making this project a success!

Redevelopment of James Allen Jr. Place Recognized with Award of Excellence

 

Amana Academy Has a New Bioswale

Amana Academy has a new bioswale! Bioswales are a fantastic addition to any campus, as they not only assist with stormwater management but also provide educational and recreational opportunities. GVSA has been a long-time partner with Amana Academy, we are excited about the new addition to their campus. Amana Academy and GVSA’s commitment to sustainability and creating a greener environment is commendable.  The outdoor classroom environment is a great way to engage students with nature and promote experiential learning. Here’s to a successful and eco-friendly school year for the students at Amana Academy, as they enjoy their new outdoor space!