Grafted Symbiosis: Strategically Revitalizing the Abandoned Atlanta Medical Arts Building via Jeanne Gang’s Theory of Grafting

The Atlanta Medical Arts building, vacant for decades, stands at risk of demolition amid large-scale redevelopment efforts. Without an existing program to sustain it, how can we activate the site in a way that ensures both its immediate utility and long-term viability? This thesis explores a strategy for adaptive reuse, drawing from both parasitic architectural methodologies and Jeanne Gang’s concept of architectural grafting—while also critiquing the shortcomings of each approach. Rather than opting for a seamless integration, the design embraces disjunctive architecture by introducing a contemporary addition that is intentionally distinct from the historic Beaux-Arts shell, yet strategically dependent on its structure and presence. The proposal repositions the building as a hybridized node of activity, combining wellness-oriented office space, flexible work environments, and public amenities designed to attract consistent foot traffic. In alignment with the ambitions of The Stitch—Atlanta’s infrastructural cap project—the design extends Stitch’s pedestrian-scale connectivity and urban healing vertically. This is achieved through biophilic terraces, operable facades, and natural ventilation strategies that invite greenery, airflow, and light deep into the urban core. In doing so, the project not only reclaims a forgotten architectural relic, but also redefines how we conceive adaptive reuse as a layered, breathable, and living process.