SOM designs the first tower for foster + partners' atlanta megaproject

centennial yards takes a major step forward

skidmore, owings & merrill (SOM) has unveiled its design for the first tower of centennial yards in atlanta, the US. planned by foster + partners and perkins+will, centennial yards is a $5 billion megaproject to transform parking lots and former railyards into a 50-acre mixed-use development in the heart of atlanta.

designed in partnership with goode van slyke architecture (GVSA), ‘one centennial yards’ will rise 28 stories high and offer more than 500,000 sqft (46,451 sqm) of office space, aligned with the goals of the masterplan and the evolving health and wellness needs of major tenants.

‘we are thrilled to be the architect for one centennial yards, the flagship commercial landmark that will define the heart of centennial yards,’ said paul danna, partner at SOM

all images by DBOX for centennial yards

SOM prioritizes health and wellness

the building’s facade is articulated as three slender towers and takes inspiration from the industrial and railroad heritage of downtown atlanta. SOM’s design for one centennial yards focuses on healthy workspaces for a post-pandemic era with open-air spaces on every floor, including terraces on each level, large retractable doors on the building’s amenity floor and landscaped rooftops. in total, the program will provide 19,000 sqft (1,765 sqm) of amenities and 21,980 sqft (2,042 sqm) of outdoor space.

danna continued, ‘our design is built upon the market’s desire for flexible, efficient and amenitized environments, and draws inspiration from the rich industrial history of downtown atlanta. prioritizing health and wellness throughout the building, the design includes numerous open-air environments through a series of terraces on each floor that provide alternative workspaces and expansive views of the city.’

one centennial yards will offer more than 500,000 sqft (46,451 sqm) of office space

‘we are excited to unveil one centennial yards and what will be the first new class A office building in downtown atlanta in many years,’ said brian mcgowan, president of centennial yards company.

‘as centennial yards’ first ground-up office building, one centennial yards’ beautiful design offers a new modern workplace that prioritizes health and wellness for workers and visitors alike. we are delighted to partner with skidmore, owings & merrill, in collaboration with atlanta’s goode van slyke architecture, to create an open and connected workspace in the city’s downtown that celebrates atlanta’s outdoor lifestyle. this major step forward for centennial yards brings us closer to reshaping 50-acres of downtown atlanta into a dynamic and active 24/7 community for all to enjoy,’ continued mcgowan.

read designboom’s previous coverage of centennial yards here.

open-air spaces are integrated on every floor