DECEMBER 2015 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
53
S
ymbols and architecture share one common
characteristic: the power of visualization.
As symbols suggest an idea, architecture car-
ries the idea into the physical. Symbolic ar-
chitecture brings meaning to the built environment
through visual interpretations of a brand, culture, mis-
sion statement, or history. A recent testament of sym-
bolic architecture is AMG National Trust Bank’s new
corporate headquarters.
A well-established 40-year-old financial institution,
AMG National Trust Bank helps its clients achieve long-
term financial security and success. It was important that
its new corporate headquarters convey the same message
to its local community. Particularly inspired by a palace in
France known as Palais du Rhin (or Palace of the Rhine)
for its strength and stability, AMG visualized a mix of prominent Prussian
architecture with local Tuscan influences. Inspired by the challenge, John
Thomas, Ware Malcomb senior fellow designer, developed a modern in-
terpretation of the palace and collaboratively selectedmaterials, colors and
finishes that would allude to AMG’s overall vision.
Tucked away on the northwest corner of East Caley Avenue and Green-
wood Plaza Boulevard (near Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater), the building
evokes a feeling of permanence. Standing outside of the three-story cor-
porate headquarters, visitors are immediately greeted by four tall, precast
concrete columns leading up to the words “AMG National Trust Bank,”
engraved in stone. Smooth and rough-cut limestone veneer block walls
support the Tuscan-influenced clay tile roof. A large third-floor dome just
barely peeks over the 45,000-square-foot building.
At the entrance sits a grand lobby designed to portray a modern-day
palace. Whitemarble spills from the walls to the floors instantly creating a
warmand inviting sensation upon entry. Two red-carpeted, symmetrically
flanked staircases located on each side of the entrance lead up to a balcony
that overhangs directly above a custom wood reception desk. Overlook-
ing the grand lobby area, the balcony features precast stone balustrades,
similar to a royal palace. The balcony is also wired with microphones to
enhance the space’s audio capabilities during presentations.
Greenwood
Village has a New
Landmark – with
a Modern Twist
Matt Chaiken,
NCARB, LEED
AP BD+C
Regional
Director,
Ware
Malcomb
