Letter
Dear Ms. Nersesian:
In its public meeting of 16 January conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept submission for the Fallen Journalists Memorial, to be located on the triangle park bounded by Maryland and Independence Avenues and 3rd Street, SW (Reservation 201). The Commission approved the revised concept and provided the following comments for the development of the design.
The Commission members reiterated their strong support for the memorial’s proposed design as beautiful and poetic, commenting that it will expand the design vocabulary used for commemorative public spaces. They commended the more open configuration of the stacked cast-glass bars as an elegant solution; however, they questioned the resolution of certain technical issues. Expressing concern that the arrangement and forms of the bars may make them attractive for climbing and skateboarding, they recommended further consideration of how the design could be refined to discourage these activities. In addition, they questioned whether the proposed depth of thirteen inches for the glass benches would be adequate for comfortable seating for all visitors. They recommended against the proposal to tilt the central “lens” featuring the text of the First Amendment in the Hall of Remembrance, noting its potential to be a tripping hazard, and they commented that the previously proposed flat treatment would be more consistent with the simple character of the memorial.
For the landscape, the Commission members endorsed the proposed selection of honey locust trees for the grove that will extend across the site, and they recommended using a mix of cultivars instead of different species. While they expressed general support for more planted areas, including the nearby median of Maryland Avenue, they endorsed the proposal to extend the paving to the curbs on the memorial site for easy pedestrian circulation and also to extend this established treatment along Independence Avenue. Noting the extent of hardscape and the prevalence of prismatic glass elements, they observed that the experience of the park will vary during different times of day, seasons, and traffic and weather conditions; they requested further study of the memorial’s character and detailing in these different conditions. They also advised exploring the use of shading devices over the temporary seating that would be set up for events during hot or inclement weather.
The Commission looks forward to its continuing review of this innovative addition to the commemorative landscape of the National Mall. For the development of a final submission, please continue to consult with the staff on the design and on such technical details as signage, lighting, and mechanical equipment. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Jennifer T. Nersesian, Area Director
Region 1 – National Park Service
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: John Ronan, John Ronan Architects
Michael Boucher, Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture
Barbara Cochran, Fallen Journalists Memorial Foundation