Modern Atlanta Undergoes Changes, Shows How ‘Design Is Human’

Modern Atlanta is now in its ninth year, and the change in the design week and in Atlanta is palpable. When founders Bernard McCoy and Elayne DeLeo first began the architecture tour in 2007, there were few modern homes in the city. “We were scathing and biting to find homes that were available,” said McCoy, “But fast-forward, since we’ve started, every year there’s an abundance of houses being built.”

(A side note, “modern” for Modern Atlanta does not mean the time period for modernism. It means “contemporary.”)

The pair, however, said that the benefits of design could go a lot further. This year’s MA focused on how Atlanta could be improved in terms of transportation.

DeLeo compared what’s happening in Atlanta now to what happened in New York City in the 1970s: “It’s really finding its footing.”

Indeed, in part due to the rise in the consumer-conscious culture of slow foods and now slow design, more designers are able to stay in Atlanta and produce their goods locally.

MA highlights these designers and what they make, embracing MA’s tagline of “design is human.” Instead of solely featuring their products, MA tells the story behind that product. “We like to focus on the people behind the design,” said DeLeo. “We want design to be accessible to everyone.”

The humanism of modern design also takes the form of sustainability. “Modern architecture takes the approach of less is more,” said DeLeo. “It’s about what do we really need, how do we use it and how do we feel about it.”

Even with more designers in Atlanta and more modern homes being built, McCoy said that Atlanta has a ways to go. He said, “In Atlanta, we drive in cars. We don’t walk. There’s a certain void. We aren’t as in tune with what’s around us in terms of how design might impact us on a regular basis and improve our quality of life.”

The pair also cited a need for change. DeLeo said, “Atlanta is a very traditional town.”

“You can’t do architecture the same way generation after generation,” said McCoy. “You’re not doing the people any justice if you hold on. It’s not very healthy.”

Modern Atlanta finishes up this weekend with its International Design Expo and Atlanta architecture tour.