CFA 16/MAR/23-4

Dear Secretary Djou:

In its public meeting of 16 March conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design submission for modifications to provide code-compliant, barrier-free access at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Characterizing the proposed solutions as successful and elegant, the Commission approved the concept submission and provided the following comments for the development and documentation of the final design.

The Commission members acknowledged the challenge of accommodating equitable universal access at this highly visited cemetery while minimizing the proposal’s effects on its noteworthy architecture. For the main entrance to the memorial, they approved the proposed design for a pair of straight ramps at the sides of the projecting central stair, agreeing that this solution would obtrude the least on the main approach and would minimize damage to the distinctive allées of shaped trees that flank the memorial. For the chapel, they found that the proposal to introduce curving ramps within the circumferential border, screened by low boxwoods, would be an elegant improvement over the current conditions. In both locations, they strongly recommended the use of thin bronze handrails in order to minimize visual impact.

In its approval action, the Commission delegated the final review of the project to the staff, which is available to assist you in coordinating the submission.

Sincerely,

/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary

Charles K. Djou, Secretary
American Battle Monuments Commission
2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201

cc: Mary Kay Lanzillotta, Hartman-Cox Architects