Letter
Dear Ms. O'Dell:
In its meeting of 18 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed color options for the proposed wayfinding pylons of the Pedestrian Guide Sign Program for the National Mall, approving the monochromatic gray color scheme shown in Option D.2.
The Commission members expressed appreciation for the thorough study that has been given to the issue of color, and spoke favorably of the overall design of the pylon. They characterized the monochrome pylon as dignified, elegant, and timeless—and therefore appropriate for the non-commercial environment of the National Mall as a whole. They described the identifying icons on the pylons as visually strong and legible enough to convey information without the use of color; they questioned whether visitors would benefit from the subtle differentiation among types of destinations that the colors were intended to represent. While acknowledging the potential advantage of distinguishing the graphic treatment for visitor services information, the Commission concluded that the use of color in making distinctions between memorials, museums, and other attractions would be irrelevant for visitors.
The Commission looks forward to seeing the submission for the identification sign component of the program. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Margaret O'Dell, Regional Director
National Park Service, National Capital Region
1100 Ohio Drive, SW
Washington, DC 20242
cc: Peter May, National Park Service
Wayne Hunt, Hunt Design