Building on the success of SCAD FORTY, MMA led the next design phases of the campus development in collaboration with LJC, Clayco, and SCAD Design Group. FORTY FOUR and FORTY FIVE are located adjacent to FORTY with frontage along the Arts Corridor in Midtown Atlanta. This mixed-use residential project contains student-focused space along with arts amenities to be enjoyed by the general public. Program for the nearly 1,000 students include a dining hall, fitness center with a rooftop pool, and academic classrooms, digital labs, and workshops. In addition, the community is invited in to enjoy the lobby gallery, campus store, a 700-seat cinema, and a black box style auditorium.
Shape
Midway through design, the world was drastically impacted by the emergence of COVID-19. In response, SCAD and the design team modified the design to provide phasing flexibility due to the unknown impacts on enrollment. The initial concept of a single 20-story residential tower was revised to two shorter towers to be completed in two phases. In addition, the standard semi-suite unit type was modified within the existing module to accommodate an additional bathroom to address the University’s pandemic housing protocol.
Inspire
The addition of FORTY FOUR and FORTY FIVE have transformed the Atlanta campus through program expansion and continued development of an architectural language that celebrates SCAD’s aesthetic–modern and refined design that allows the interiors and artwork to shine. Through development of FORTY FOUR, FORTY FIVE, and FORTY, the campus will have gained beds for over 1,500 students, expanded its academic and dining facilities and created dynamic exterior gathering spaces and pedestrian connections that truly give Atlanta that cohesive campus feel.
Passion + Perspective
An early rendering of the original 20-story Tower Design
Considerations for adapting standard unit type for COVID-19
Early conceptual design studies
Her name is FORTY FIVE, and she’s SCAD’s newest campus complex in Atlanta. She’s a jaw-dropper.
- Paula Wallace President and Founder of Savannah College of Art & Design
