On March 21, the Facades+ conference series will take place in Atlanta at the Marriott Marquis. AN partnered with Alexander Briseno, Sam Pruitt, and Parker Stewart of HKS to assemble some of the best design work in the region for a dynamic day of programming. The conference consists of case studies covering Atlanta projects and topical roundtable discussions on tectonic plasticity, energy performance, facade collaboration, adaptive facade systems, and material innovation in facades. Attendees can also explore the Methods + Materials gallery, showcasing innovations from 20 leading building product companies. Click here for more details and registration.A curtain wall draws light into the Piedmont Marcus Heart & Cardiovascular Tower (Katie Bricker Tessaro and Tom Harris )Seamless Harmony: Curved Glass, Terracotta, and Historic Brick FacadesThe Piedmont Marcus Heart & Cardiovascular Tower features a striking curved facade that enhances a public plaza along the Peachtree corridor, creating a vibrant and welcoming community space. Presented by Anthony Montalto, chief design officer, executive vice president and partner at HKS; and Luis Matalon, vice president and project manager at HKS, the project seamlessly integrates innovation, tradition, and community engagement. The towers sleek curtain wall, composed of high-performance glass, allows for ample natural light while reflecting the surrounding cityscape, visually connecting the hospital to its urban environment. Montalto and Matalon will go in-depth on the vertical metal fins that provide both aesthetic interest and functional shading, reducing glare and enhancing energy efficiency. As the design transitions westward, the facade incorporates terra-cotta elements, textured metal panels, and rhythmic setbacks, thoughtfully harmonizing with the hospitals architecture and the neighborhoods historic brick structures. Cultural and Tectonic Plasticity: A precast graduate design studio at Georgia TechThe days roundtable discussion will focus on Georgia Techs graduate design studio. Panelists Alex Briseo of HKS, alongside professor Julie Ju-Youn Kim from the Georgia Tech School of Architecture, Ray Clark, executive director of precast at the Precast Concrete Institute; and Mo Wright, director of architectural systems at Gate Precast, will discuss cultural and tectonic plasticity and how the study offers an innovative response to the housing crisis in America. Focused on the Buford Highway corridor in Brookhaven, students were challenged to develop contextual facade designs that reflect the areas rich and diverse cultural influences. Working within a site masterplan, the HKS Cities and Communities team created applied modular ultra-high-performance concrete facade skins, leveraging skills gained through expert-led lectures, seminars, facility tours, and hands-on fabrication mockups. The panelists will explore how these innovative facade systems embrace plasticity in form and function, balancing modular efficiency with expressive design to create adaptable and culturally responsive architecture. First Time in Atlanta: Table Talks: Peer-to-Peer Learning SessionsTable Talks offers a unique opportunity for professionals in the Atlanta AEC community to engage in guided, in-depth conversations with their peers. This interactive 45-minute session encourages attendees to exchange insights on facade design, explore innovative strategies, and collaborate on solving complex challenges within a dynamic group setting. Designed to be both engaging and productive, the session fosters meaningful discussions while providing valuable face-to-face learning experiences. Whether sharing notes on industry trends, refining design approaches, or simply making new connections, Table Talks creates a space for collaboration and professional growth.The FORTH Hotel, Atlantas new 16-story glass tower. (Matthew Williams)An advanced shading system was implemented on a building by Olson Kundig along the Atlanta BeltLine. (Nic Lehoux)Reinventing the Old Fourth Ward: Atlantas former Industrial HubThe final sessions of the day will focus on Atlantas Old Fourth Wards newest complexes. The first panel will feature presenters Steven Rainville from Olson Kundig and Jim Irwin from New City, who will discuss the facade design of a new mixed-use building that prioritizes the occupant experience through its exterior. The panel will explore the design process and strategy behind achieving an equitable floor plate while maintaining the budget of a speculative office project.In the last session, presenters from Morris Adjmi, Brasfield Gorrie, and Uzun Case will share the facade design of the FORTH Hotel, Atlantas new 16-story glass tower. Inspired by the citys rich industrial history, exposed concrete diagrid panels were applied to the buildings facade, enhancing its visual appeal, while serving a critical structural function. Panelists will provide an in-depth analysis of the architectural contrast, highlighting how raw structural expression meets refined detailing to establish an iconic landmark in downtown Atlanta.And as always throughout the day there is plenty of time to explore the Methods + Materials Expo with 20 leading building product companies, get valuable face time with AEC industry peers, eat, drink, and connect.