National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The engineers had to account for unbalanced soil loads and a 20-foot grade change from the north to the south on the site which had undergone multiple cycles of development.

The building’s geometric complexity demanded innovative engineering solutions to realize the sloped, doubly curved walls which define the structure’s iconic facade.

Due to the building’s significance and weak soil conditions on site, the design had to follow code requirements like incorporating an intermediate seismic moment frame without sacrificing architectural intent.

Precise engineering solutions were required to connect the structure’s unique cantilevered steel projections to the concrete superstructure, as some of them extended up to 24 feet horizontally and 12 feet vertically above the roof.

The engineers evaluated seven foundation wall solutions and consulted project stakeholders, before opting for a soil nail wall and deep auger-cast displacement piles to manage soil loads and limit excavation.

We used straight steel supports instead of curved elements to support the hundreds of stone panels on the facade and resolve the challenge of geometric complexity while optimizing constructability and cost.

After assessing loading conditions, we developed a concrete structure with sloping columns. We also simplified perimeter beam geometries and detailed out beam-column joints in the sloping structure to maximize their strength without rebar congestion.

The building’s long cantilever steel fins were carefully designed, coordinated, and detailed to withstand wind and seismic forces with minimal movement.

The soil nail wall secured the building while avoiding underground utilities and lowering ground vibrations and optimizing cost. This solution also avoided disruptions to the nearby Georgia Aquarium and the Coca-Cola Museum during construction.

Walter P Moore’s engineering expertise helped deliver the cantilever fins and curved walls under the constraints of existing site conditions. Now clad in multi-hued tiles, these elements symbolize the institution’s vision of different races coming together.

Through our industry-leading structural analysis, we designed a lithe and active structure that is optimized for material usage with cement replacement strategies, and also supports a green roof, contributing to the project’s LEED Gold certification.