Self+Tucker Architects


MLK Conference Room

The City of Memphis had long needed a space to host meetings for large groups of people on the main floor of City Hall. Just north of the Hall of Mayors was a seldom used room initially designed as a Gallery, it was exceptionally finished with terrazzo floors and walls and a wood accent wall. In conjunction with MLK50, STA designed a new Conference Room and the City commissioned local artist Lonnie Robinson to create a 6’ tall painting of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This portrait is the focal point for the Conference Room. A wall-mounted quote by Dr. King hoovers above the portrait and establishes the context for meetings and events: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” sets the stage for meetings and events. With a small budget, the design honed in on the ceiling plane and the focal wall hosting the life-sized portrait. 2’ x 2’ acoustical ceiling tiles were staggered matching the existing floor and wood joints reinforcing a homogenous room design. Artificial lighting consisted of inlaid grid LEDs and a continuous linear fixture that spans 40’ centered above the a expansive conference table seating 32. The room was dedicated by Mayor Jim Strickland during the City’s MLK Luminary Awards, unveiled on King Day – January 21, 2019.