Letter
Dear Ms. Hall:
In its public meeting of 18 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept submission for the Peace Corps Commemorative Park, to be located in the triangular reservation bounded by Louisiana Avenue and First and C Streets, NW. The Commission approved the submission with the following comments for the development of the design.
In their discussion, the Commission members commended the proposal, particularly citing the configuration of the central plaza, the refinement of the sculptural bench-hands that frame it, and the thoughtful study of the world map at the center of the composition. They expressed strong support for the Peirce polar projection as a promising design approach for the map, which they said would convey a reimagined world view that is appropriate for the Peace Corps; they recommended further refinement to ensure that the map displays the land areas proportionally with the least distortion, and they requested that the pattern of joints in the pavement be studied to avoid their misinterpretation as conventional lines of latitude and longitude. They requested more information about the proposed inscriptions on the stone bench-hands, including their typographic design and technical details. For the site, they expressed enthusiasm for the landscape design featuring a central ring of trees and seasonal plantings around the plaza, and they requested more information about details such as surface drainage as the design is developed.
The Commission looks forward to continuing its review of the memorial design, including the items summarized above, as well as the specification and details of the stone elements and the final documentation of designs for landscape, lighting, and signage. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Kym A. Hall, Area Director
Region 1–National Capital Area
National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Larry Kirkland, The Studio of Larry Kirkland
Michael Vergason, Michael Vergason Landscape Architects
Roger Lewis, Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation
Marcel Acosta, National Capital Planning Commission