The most famous building Atlanta never built—a masterclass in 'paper' architecture.
Proposed concert hall in Atlanta, Georgia.
Featured in Santiago Calatrava's definitive monograph, Santiago Calatrava: Complete Works.
Visitor Guide
Stand at the corner of 14th and Peachtree; the nearby skyscraper '1180 Peachtree' was built to frame this hall and gives you a sense of the scale.
The corner of 14th Street and Peachtree; visualize the 18-story steel arches that were meant to soar between the existing high-rises.
Project was cancelled in 2008 due to funding; the site is currently being redeveloped.
The design featured hydraulic steel 'wings' that would open into a 'V' shape during concerts, altering the building's profile and potentially its acoustics.
15 minutes (to view the site and context)
Design & Structure
The 'origami-like' design was intended to be a civic postcard, utilizing a pair of hydraulic wings folded over a glass atrium.
Intended to use steel, glass, and white concrete, consistent with Calatrava’s biomorphic language.
The design centered on an 18-story arch from which the roof was suspended, utilizing the same catenary principles as Calatrava’s bridges.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with Atlanta Symphony Center — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Santiago Calatrava
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Bilbao Airport
Athens Olympic Sports Complex
Montjuïc Communications Tower
Brookfield Place (Toronto)
Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station
Llonja de Sant Jordi
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Atlanta Symphony Center?+
Atlanta Symphony Center was designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Can I visit Atlanta Symphony Center?+
Atlanta Symphony Center is a real building in the world that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.