“Architecture is really about life, and building a place for life.”
–John C. Portman, Jr.
Policies
Access
The Portman Archives is open to students and researchers as well as to visitors from institutions all over the world by appointment only. To request a visit please email and let us know what institution you are part of and what part of the archive collections you are interested in researching. Access to some of the records may be restricted according to the terms of the deposit or donor agreement. The archives reserves the right to decline access to the collections.
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Research
The Archives staff can answer brief telephone and email inquiries for information. ​Archives staff cannot perform extensive or evaluative research for members of the general public. Extended research requests done by staff will occur with a fee after the first 15 minutes of free service. You may be advised that a visit to the archives is necessary to conduct research in person. Staff is not able to undertake extensive duplication requests of material for researchers who are unable to visit the archives to examine and select materials. Photocopying of archival material will generate a fee of $0.25 per page, and $5.00 per 15 min will be added after the first 20 pages of photocopied materials.
Photography Policy
Researchers may take photographs of collection materials as allowed by the archive based on the physical condition of the materials, copyright law, and donor restrictions. The Portman Archives reserves the right to deny requests or revoke permission for any reason and at any time.
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Researchers may not photograph any manuscript, photograph, or visual collection in its entirety. No more than 20% (total, not per visit) of any manuscript, photograph, or visual collection can be photographed. Researchers are liable for all images taken from copyrighted materials. Researchers who violate image limits will be denied further access to the collections.
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Researchers will be asked to acknowledge our policy in writing. Researchers who plan eventual publication of their work should consult with the archives staff.
​Research Service Fees
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Digital Image Fee
Permission Fees
Use for print, e-publication, website, PowerPoint, exhibition, free distribution items, social media, film, and video
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Image Service Fees
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All prices are expressed in US dollars (USD)
AudioVisual requests
Audio interviews and video footage are available for use; however most of our materials are copyrighted by various news agencies. Please
contact the archive directly for more information regarding audiovisual requests.
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Architectural Drawing requests
Drawings are available for use; however there is a service fee of $50.00 per drawing for current PDF scans. If drawings have not been scanned yet, a $140 per tube retrieval fee is applied. Due to the nature of built works and concerns for public safety, a liability waiver is required for all drawing requests.
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