Letter
Dear Dr. Elias:
The Commission was pleased to see you for the presentation on the proposed Classical Chinese Garden at the U.S. National Arboretum during their meeting of 16 June 2005. The members are very supportive of the initiative the Department of Agriculture and you have taken in establishing the diplomatic connections to foster such a collaborative effort to create this special garden. The new Classical Chinese Garden will undoubtedly be a major feature of the Arboretum and a noteworthy visitor attraction in the capital city.
While there is still much work to be done on developing the garden's design, the members asked that special attention be given to the configuration of the public approach to the main entrance to the garden. The Commission also requested that great care be taken in the detailing of the structures in the garden. As these traditional buildings and pavilions are designed, every effort should be made to minimize the impact of contemporary mechanical, electrical, and safety systems. As these required systems are inserted into the structures' fabric, they should be visually concealed so that they do not intrude on the authenticity of the garden and maintain the serenity within a classical Chinese garden.
As the concept for the garden evolves further, the members recommend that you return, as soon as possible, with additional design developments that include more details for the structures and the landscape. We look forward to continuing the review of this most important project for the Arboretum and, as always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Dr. Thomas S. Elias, Director
U.S. National Arboretum
United States Department of Agriculture
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-1958
cc: Robert Drechsler, USDA
Darlene Masten, USDA
Scott Aker, USNA