Brutalism at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis

5595712529 6de79867cf Brutalism at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis
As I’m beginning to learn more and more about the different design styles and influences in the field of architecture, one design style seems to be very popular in Washington, DC: brutalism.  The use of concrete to form shapes and geometric patterns is seen all around DC, whether it be the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Headquarters or the many metro stations.

While in Atlanta, GA this week, the hotel my wife and I are staying at is another great example of brutalism.  The Atlanta Mariott Marquis Hotel in Downtown Atlanta uses concrete to form a great patterned atrium and a very unique exterior.

It was constructed in 1985 and designed by John C. Portman, Jr and his architectural firm.  Its listed as the 14th tallest skyscraper in Atlanta and has been nicknamed “the Pregnant Building” by many of the locals due to its bulging base.

I guess since I’ve been shooting a number of maternity portrait sessions this year, then it makes since that I’d be staying here.

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This entry was posted on April 6, 2011. It was filed under Photography and was tagged with , , , , , .

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  • Suzanne

    Eric–I love this photo, and the nighttime photo of Atlanta. (Is “brutalism” a real term? Suits that wicked metal protective surround on each floor).

    • http://fallenposters.wordpress.com/ Eric Spiegel

      Thanks Suzanne! And yes, ‘brutalism’ is a real architecture term. It stems from the french term béton brut meaning “raw concrete.”

  • http://youvebeenhooked.wordpress.com The Hook

    That shot makes me dizzy! Good job, though.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/tattooed.preacher Andy Campbell

    This shot captures the feeling of the Marquis atrium perfectly. I grew up in the Atlanta area, and my wife and I spent our 2nd Anniversary here (On the top floor – right under the letter “Q”). The view from the lobby looking up into the atrium is quite disorienting. Though this shot is looking out across the atrium, the effect is still very much the same. Good job!

    • http://ericspiegelphotography.wordpress.com/ Eric Spiegel

      Thanks Andy! The most disorienting view for me was from the lobby level looking up. It made me a little dizzy.

      • http://www.facebook.com/tattooed.preacher Andy Campbell

        Made me dizzy as well. Beautiful interior, though.