PUNCH LIST
On the Spot Melody Harclerode
This issue’s guest editor, AIA Atlanta President and principal of her own eponymous architecture firm, Melody Harclerode, responds to our questionnaire and gives the city of Atlanta a whole lot of love in the process.
A CURRENT EVENT WE SHOULD FOLLOW MORE CLOSELY
Changes to the Architectural Registration Examination. ENVIRONMENTAL COME-TO-JESUS MOMENT
Seeing aerial images of the decreased tree coverage in metropolitan Atlanta.
WAY TO MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT A NONPARTISAN ISSUE
Present the long-term economic benefits of water and energy conservation. WHAT YOU’D PITCH TO PRESIDENT OBAMA IF YOU HAD 30 SECONDS
THE PERFECT CITY WOULD HAVE
A park in every neighborhood featuring an array of beautiful sculptures. ONE TECHNOLOGY ON THE HORIZON THAT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD
Driverless cars.
TOPIC IF YOU WERE ASKED TO GIVE A TED TALK
The enormous power of great, but small, architecture.
BUILDING YOU WOULD SAVE IF THE WORLD WAS GOING TO END
My home.
A CENTURY FROM NOW, HUMANITY WILL
Continue to underestimate the intelligence and talent of children.
ONE BOOK EVERYONE SHOULD READ
Architects should occasionally review their copy of the college textbook Architecture: Form, Space, and Order by Francis D.K. Ching to read about classic principles of architecture and see magnificent sketches.
MOST MEMORABLE MENTOR OR TEACHER
My first grade teacher Mrs. Russell who nicknamed me “Sunshine.” FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Historic trolley cars.
PHOTO: PHILLIP ALEXANDER-COX
WASTEFUL HABIT YOU’RE TRYING TO KICK
Purchasing baked goods that I could easily make.
MOST FULFILLING HOBBY
Writing (I wrote a book called Discover ARCHITECTURE).
GREATEST PROFESSIONAL PET PEEVE
The importance of affordable, yet high-quality college institutions to help our country stay globally competitive. WHAT YOU’D TELL THE GREEN MOVEMENT IF IT WAS YOUR CHILD
EXPLAIN “GREEN” TO A KINDERGARTNER
Be kind to our environment.
MOST COMMON GREEN MYTH
Being green is too expensive. Even without certification, a project can still be environmentally friendly. THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING A STEWARD OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Conserving energy and water use at home.
CAUSE YOU’D SUPPORT IF YOU HAD A BILLION DOLLARS
Expanding the BeltLine and the MARTA rail system within the City of Atlanta. ONE QUESTION INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ASKING THEMSELVES
How can I add value to this project? MOST RESONANT DOCUMENTARY
Don’t be complacent about your successes. Many forces still wish to greatly weaken you.
Ken Burns’ Jazz.
THE BOLDEST IDEA IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
The Atlanta Business Chronicle. It helps architects to connect to the business community and vice versa.
CASUALTY OF THE CUTTING-ROOM FLOOR YOU’D RESURRECT
THE THOUGHT OR IDEA THAT CENTERS YOU
PUBLICATION YOU HOPE WILL NEVER DIE
Recycling steel from torn-down bridges as elements in public art.
Santiago Calatrava’s design for the Atlanta Symphony Center.
My love for my family, my community, and my profession.
MOST IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE IN NATURE CURRENT PROJECT YOU’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT
The upcoming AIA Atlanta national design competition with the Atlanta BeltLine and the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.
Visiting the Grand Canyon.
MOST MEANINGFUL PROJECT YOU’VE COMPLETED
The Fulton County Aviation Community Cultural Center. gb&d
BUILDING TREND YOU HOPE WILL NEVER GO OUT OF FASHION
Adaptive reuse.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE TRAVELED
Rome, Italy.
YOUR FIELD’S BIGGEST HURDLE TO IMPROVING ITS PRACTICES
Clients who assess design proposals by the architects’ fees rather than the quality of their work.
PERSON WHO HAS MOST INFLUENCED YOUR PHILOSOPHY
The late Atlanta architect Cecil Alexander, FAIA, who followed the philosophy of doing well by doing good. MOST USEFUL INDUSTRY EVENT
The AIA National Convention.
Gum chewing on the job.
gb&d
may–june 2015
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