Gantt Cultural Center

Charlotte, NC

DATE

2009

CATEGORY

Cultural

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

SCOPE

Architectural Design
Interior Design
Experience Design

AREA

46,500sf

Project Team

Design Firm – Perkins + Will (formerly Freelon Group)
Project Designer – Peter Provost (Project Completed while a Sr. Designer/Associate at The Freelon Group)

DESCRIPTION

The design approach for the interiors was to translate the strong aesthetic character established by the exterior architectural elements, influenced by quilt designs from the Underground Railroad Era and woven textile patterns from West Africa, into an engaging visitor entry sequence connecting the main lobby, reception desk and galleries vertically through the building.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture (AACC) of Charlotte is a distinguished, 31-year-old institution whose mission is to preserve, promote and present African American art, history and culture through comprehensive programs which include presentations in the visual arts, performing arts, and innovative educational initiatives. The new building for AACC is a key component in Phase One of Charlotte’s Cultural Arts Facilities Master Plan.

The 47,000-square-foot headquarters is located in the heart of Charlotte’s central business district in the area once occupied by the historic Brooklyn neighborhood – the once-thriving center of the Black community which was razed in the 1960’s