National design competition launched for pavilion along Beltline’s Westside Trail

‘We want it to be beautiful whether someone is making wonderful music or there alone’

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  • AIA Atlanta

Numerous performances have been held on temporary stages on a patch of land along the Atlanta Beltline’s Westside Trail in Adair Park. It’s a fitting location — the property is wide and open and serves as a gateway to the under-construction path that will eventually connect multiple southwest Atlanta neighborhoods.

But city officials and Atlanta architects want to the spot to feature a performance space that’s permanent — one with a design that will win over audiences and the surrounding community.

Beltline, city, and architecture advocates on Friday announced a national competition — with a cash award — to design a pavilion on the triangle-shaped piece of land. Atlanta Beltline Inc., the American Institute of Architects’ Atlanta chapter, and the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs are sponsoring the contest. And they’re seeking ideas from across the country.

Officials want to see designs for a pavilion no larger than 600 square feet that can be used for artistic performances, suitable for community events, and is beautiful to observe on its own. The pavilion should play off the surrounding area and reflect the history of the community.

“We hope it captivates the public when it’s unoccupied and something that’s integrated with rest of community,” says AIA Atlanta President Melody Harclerode. “We want it to be used for vocal performances, small dance performances, musical performances, public gatherings. We want it to be beautiful whether someone is making wonderful music or there alone.”

Adds Camille Russell Love, director of the city’s Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, who along with ABI’s Fred Yalouris is also a contest juror: “This is an important project for Atlanta… Arts and culture are the catalyst for further economic development when a structure goes in an area.”

First prize will be awarded $10,000 at AIA Atlanta’s October meeting. Second prize will win $5,000. Third prize wins $3,000. For the full list of requirements and rules, head to AIA Atlanta’s website. If you’re interested, you’ve got until Sept. 15.