Portman exhibit wins "Best of the South" Award

The Georgia Tech Library is proud to announce Defining Skylines: John Portman and the Architectural Evolution of Downtown Atlanta recently won the Southeast Chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians (SESAH) Best of the South award for excellence in preservation education, research and outreach.

The exhibit, now on display in Price Gilbert’s first floor gallery through 2025, highlights the extraordinary life and work of John Portman, the visionary architect behind some of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings. The win was announced at the 2025 SESAH Conference held Sept. 23 – 26 in Asheville, N.C.

“This is a huge honor for the Library and its Archives and Special Collections,” said Jody Thompson, Assistant Dean for Archives, Records Management & Digital Curation. “I’m thrilled we won such a prestigious award by focusing on the legacy of one of Tech’s truly special alumni.” 

Established in 2006, the Best of the South (BOTS) Award honors a project that documents and educates the public about a historic property – including a building, a structure, or a complex of buildings and/or structures – in an outstanding manner, that enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the built environment, and that demonstrate excellence in research, design, and execution.

About Defining Skylines: John Portman and the Architectural Evolution of Downtown Atlanta

A proud Georgia Tech alumnus, Portman reshaped the city’s skyline with his innovative designs, including the groundbreaking Hyatt Regency and Peachtree Center. 

This exhibit offers an exclusive look into Portman’s creative process, architectural achievements, and lasting influence on urban design featuring artifacts from both the Georgia Tech Archives & Special Collections and the Portman Archives.

Explore how Portman’s connection to Georgia Tech helped shape his remarkable career and continues to inspire future generations of architects and designers. 

We invite the Atlanta community to join us in celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Atlanta’s most influential figures.