Letter
Dear Mr. Cortez:
In its public meeting of 18 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a final design submission for the Bezos Learning Center, a new multi-use addition to the east end of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum (NASM), located at 600 Independence Avenue, SW. The Commission approved the final design with the following comments.
The Commission members commended the design, particularly for its success in simplifying and thus clarifying the elements that comprise the dynamic spiraling gesture that informs the Learning Center’s spatial and architectural character. They commented that its simplicity and clarity is carried throughout—from the building through the plaza to the landscape—and is now more sympathetic with the original NASM building. For the completion of the final design, they recommended further study of the location, form, and character of the monument-type building sign on Jefferson Drive, which they said appears static in character and unrelated to the rest of the composition; they also suggested considering additional sustainability features, such as photovoltaic panels and expanded green roof areas.
The Commission looks forward to this innovative addition to the museum and to the public landscape of the National Mall. Please coordinate with the staff for the resolution of these comments, inspection of mockups, and the documentation of the final design.
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