Letter
Dear Mr. Cortez:
In its public meeting of 21 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept design for a new multi-use addition, the Bezos Learning Center, to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, located at 600 Independence Avenue, SW. The Commission approved the design with the following comments.
The Commission members reiterated their support for the diagrammatic clarity of the plan concept, a dynamic spiraling gesture that informs the spatial and architectural character of the project. They emphasized the importance of maintaining this sense of energy and fluidity, particularly at areas where the landscape elements meet the building—such as the berm at the project’s northwest corner, the patterned concrete pavement of the courtyard, and the landscape walls around the observatory. They also commented that care should be taken to avoid having trees block clear views of the main entrance from the north. They advised simplifying the architectural articulation of the new freestanding observatory’s entrance block to be appropriate to its smaller scale, in order to emphasize its unique form and special role within the complex. Finally, they supported the changes reported by the project team for the angled edge of the exterior enclosure of the upper floors at the south facade.
The Commission looks forward to continuing its review of this significant addition to the landscape of the National Mall. Please continue to consult on the development of the design with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ron Cortez
Under Secretary for Administration
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012
cc: Bryan Schabel, Perkins & Will
Elizabeth Kennedy, Elizabeth Kennedy Landscape Architect