Letter
Dear Ms. Trowbridge:
In its meeting of 15 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for a new carousel pavilion to be located in the lower zoo precinct adjacent to the Great Cats exhibit in the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoological Park. The Commission approved the proposal with several recommendations for further development.
In general, the Commission members encouraged the use of authentic materials for this traditional design, recommending against the installation of solar panels on the roof of the pavilion due to their incongruous appearance and their minimal benefit at this small scale. They also recommended eliminating the proposed stone veneer surrounding the columns of the pavilion, commenting that this material would prevent the expression of the delicate quality of the metal columns.
The Commission members agreed that the carousel would be an educational and enjoyable addition to the National Zoo; they encouraged further consideration of the ways in which the interpretation of the carousel could inform young visitors to the zoo about the endangered species depicted by the carousel animals.
The Commission looks forward to further review of the project as it is developed. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ann Trowbridge, Associate Director for Planning
Office of Planning and Project Management
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 511
Washington, DC 20013–7012
cc: Dennis Kelly, Director, National Zoological Park