Digital Built Environment Description: ArtsATL

ArtsATL was founded in 2009, and was actually first named ArtsCriticsATL. It consists of nine different sections that are all labeled on the menu bar on the top of the website. This website is chalked full of reviews, commentaries, and news on the different forms of art in Atlanta such as music, theater,  dance, visual art, and a few others. It has an easy accessible layout with the different areas of interest at the top on the menu bar, and the related articles and what not listed on each different section’s page. On every page of the website, there are also adds down the right side that have to do with different art events going on. Overall, I find the website very busy, but easy to navigate.

On the menu bar, the first section is the genre “ART+ DESIGN”.Then the following five genres on the menu bar are “MUSIC”, “DANCE”, “THEATER”, “BOOKS”, and “FILM”. Each of these six genres have the exact same layouts, but different stories and articles that are related to its genre.

After the different genres, there are three more tabs: “CALENDAR”, “ABOUT + CONTACT”, and “DONATE”. These three sections are different from the genre ones. The calendar page is all about upcoming events no matter what genre the event is related to. The about and contact page gives some background information to the website and tells about all of the people who help make the website what it is. Lastly, the donate page gives the viewers of the site an opportunity to help fund the organization.

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ArtsATL is aimed towards the people who have interest in one or more of the many different forms of art in Atlanta. It gives information to people who want to know more, and also informs those who are interested in the events that are taking place. The flow of all of the colors in the images that go with the different stories and articles on each page make the website look well put together. Also, the dark gray letters work well with the bright pink letters on the crisp white background. The website made me want to read the articles and learn more about what is happening in the art world in Atlanta.

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Interior Built Environment Description: Georgia Aquarium

IMG_5293[1]At the Georgia Aquarium, located in Downtown Atlanta, there are many sights to see. It has been the largest aquarium in the world since it was built in 2005. When you first walk in, you enter into a sort of lobby type area where you can see all of the different galleries the aquarium has to offer.The lobby area is in the center of the aquarium with the galleries and the food court extending off of it which have big signs over them that can not be missed. There are six different galleries at the aquarium right now, and those are: Cold Water Quest, Ocean Voyager, Tropical Diver, Dolphin Tales, River Scout, and Aquanaut Adventure. All of the galleries are wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp for one which makes it possible for people in wheelchairs to get to it. Overall, the openness of the aquarium makes it easily accessible to all of its patrons. Adults, children, people with disabilities, and elderly people all come enjoy the Georgia Aquarium.

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Throughout the aquarium there are many things to look at it. Not only do they have fish and other animals that live in water, they also have a penguin exhibit and otters. When walking through the galleries, there is continuously something to look at. There are tanks every five or so feet. Next to every tank and exhibit, there are plaques stating what fish or animal are in the tank or exhibit and some information about the fish or animal, like where they come from. There are also several tunnels and looking holes made specifically for children. Everything in the aquarium is made so that children are able to see well and get to experience everything they have to offer.

In the aquarium, there are a lot of blues and earthy tones. These colors made me feel more relaxed, and like I could take my time looking at all of the different exhibits. Even with all of the little children running around and being loud, there was a sense of calmness. There was also music playing in each of the galleries that made it have a more soothing vibe. The Georgia Aquarium would be a good place to go for a laid back day with the family.

Exterior Built Environment Description: Little Five Points

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Little Five Points has been apart of Atlanta since the early 1900’s. It is only two or three miles away from Downtown Atlanta. The Little Five Points area is off of Moreland Avenue in Atlanta. It consists of many little restaurants: like Little Five Points Pizza, Zestos, and The Porter. Along with many choices of restaurants, there are several clothing stores also. Most popular clothing store in Little Five Points seems to be Rag-O-Rama which is mostly recycled clothing. Along with these places are stores like Criminal Records, Crystal Blue, Vape Atlanta, and many more. Criminal Records is a well-known music store in Little Five. Crystal Blue is a little shop that is painted blue which sells things like jewelry and other little odd and ins. Vape  Atlanta is in pink building and it sells probably just about any flavor of vapor you could think of. All of these unique places are centered around what used to be the Five Point’s intersection. It was where Moreland Avenue, Euclid Avenue, and Seminole Avenue all intersected which gave Little Five points its name. Now Seminole Avenue is no longer connected because it was turned into a plaza between some of the shops. Little Five Points is basically a few short strips of shops all interconnected at what used to be the the five pointed intersection.

All of the places located in Little Five Points are Unique. Almost every store is a different color. There is graffiti and murals painted on just about every flat surface. The storefronts are also usually quite interesting with their setups.IMG_5153

The area is pretty easy to find your way around. The only hard part about visiting Little Five Points is where to park your car if you drive there. Little Five Points is not your average commercial area, it has a bohemian vibe to it. All sorts of people can be seen at this location enjoying a meal, shopping, or just socializing. The uniqueness of Little Five Points draws in many varieties of customers. I enjoy going because it is not just another shopping center, it is weird in a good way and there is always something interesting to see. Going to Little Five inspires me because I am very appreciative of the different forms of creativity and art that are throughout the area.

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Thursday, February 11th, 2016. @ 6-7 PM.