Letter
Dear Mr. Westrick:
In its public meeting of 15 February conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design proposal for a new employee pedestrian access control facility at the Pentagon’s Metro entrance. The Commission members present recommended approval of the concept and provided the following comments.
The Commission members found that Option 1 of the design alternatives would create an appropriate sense of arrival for the main entrance of this notable and iconic departmental headquarters building. They found that this option, which would extend the existing entrance pavilion’s form, makes possible a higher interior space that would be preferable to the lower interior space of Option 2. They expressed strong support for the use of channel glass above the canopy as presented in Option 1, which they said would be a more dignified material than the metal mesh proposed for Option 2. For any locations where the exterior limestone panels reach the ground, they recommended using a low granite base to avoid the degradation of the material caused by the porosity of limestone. Finally, they suggested exploring the use of a material less opulent than onyx for the panels above the main interior doorways.
As a quorum was not present for the review, these comments and recommendations will be placed on the administrative agenda for confirmation at the Commission's next meeting. Please continue consulting on the development of this important project with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
David Westrick
Director, Engineering and Construction Division
Washington Headquarters Services
Department of Defense
1156 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1155
cc: Hamed Aali, HDR