Co – Authored with Alex Deihl
Introduction
The Koan statue was installed posthumously as the last piece of notable Atlanta artist John Portman (McCann). In addition to being an alumnus, Portman substantially impacted the visual environment throughout Atlanta. He contributed significantly to the architecture and designs of many famous buildings and sculptures downtown, including the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel (McCann). For his final peace, John wanted to make one last sculpture that would stand the test of time, which gave rise to the beautiful piece known today as Koan. [Image Courtesy of Alex Deihl]
Why this Space:
This statue, named after the Buddhist term for abstract, is created with three intertwining/supporting carbon fiber panels (McCann). The sculpture is between the Clough 1st Floor Entrance and the School of Design Building. It rests in the middle of numerous outdoor and indoor study spaces. It is also near Tech Green, where events and social gatherings regularly occur. Our notes discuss the statue’s purpose for those who see it daily and for unique visitors. We also describe the idea/message the artist originally intended. [Drawing by Maggie Fontaine]
Notes
- Purpose For Students:
- Break in the geometric skyline of the surrounding buildings and classrooms.
- Subliminal Inspiring a sense of creativity.
- It provides the mind with something to lack/focus on while daydreaming or staring into space.
- Due to its large size, the sculpture physically takes up otherwise empty grass space, discouraging students from loitering in this area to make the clough entrance less congested.
- In contrast to the nearby Tech Green, this statue interrupts the vast open green space surrounding it. Thus, this area and how it could be used is limited.
- Example: Tech Green would be a great place to play catch/frisbee or sit around and talk. However, the scale of Koan discourages one from playing catch/frisbee in green space. In contrast, the steps and paved area do not discourage one from sitting around and talking.
- Purpose For Prospective Students:
- Shows that GA Tech is an attractive/pretty place to live
- Encourages students to see themselves not only at Tech but enjoying themselves
- The unique story of posthumous placement creates a stop on tours.
- Emphasizes the idea that GA Tech is not a cold and heartless tech school
- Visualize exemplification of the idea that GA Tech is also a school for creativity
- Visualize the three pillars of Georgia Tech students and how they each support each other: knowledge, creativity, research
- During the summer, this area also serves as one of the primary drop-off/pick-up location for young students (and their parents)
- Helps GA Tech stand out in the memory of both the students and the parents. Particularly when it comes to thinking of schools to apply to in years to come
- Shows that GA Tech is an attractive/pretty place to live
- Purpose For Donors:
- Example of one way to contribute to Georgia Tech
- Photo opportunity for special events and guests
- The paved area also serves as a space where events can be hosted that provides a unique background for photos
- Purpose For Artist:
- Subliminal Goal: inspiring a sense of creativity
- An attribute that Portman believed all engineers should have
- The sculpture is also a way for him to leave his mark on some of America’s most talented up-and-coming minds, prolonging his legacy.
- Subliminal Goal: inspiring a sense of creativity
Works Cited
McCann | WABE, Adron, and Adron McCann. “Atlanta Architect John Portman Has Final Sculpture on Display at Georgia Tech Posthumously.” WABE, WABE, 8 Sept. 2021, https://www.wabe.org/john-portman-koan/.
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