Letter
Dear Ms. Hall:
In its public meeting of 19 September conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for the Fallen Journalists Memorial, to be located on the triangle park bounded by Maryland and Independence Avenues and 3rd Street, SW (Reservation 201). Expressing strong support for the proposal, the Commission approved the concept submission and provided the following comments for its development.
The Commission members characterized the proposed design as elegant and poetic, and they said it would establish a compelling new language for Washington’s commemorative landscape that would convey in physical form fundamental values inherent in American society, the freedom of the press, and the work of journalists. They commended the use of stacked cast-glass bars in a seemingly random composition to form a central commemorative and gathering space—with transparency, visual and physical access, and a spatial experience intended to communicate these values. Noting the proposed concept’s high degree of resolution, they offered several observations to aid the further development of the design, particularly emphasizing the importance of each detail to the whole.
In their support of a welcoming and accessible character for the memorial, they recommended extending the same level of attention to the design of the site’s perimeter. They noted a lack of resolution in accommodating pedestrian movement from crosswalks and curb cuts to the memorial entrances, and the potential conflict of trees emerging from the middle of continuous pavement along the street edges. While acknowledging the intended quality of dappled light provided by honey locust trees, they expressed concern that this species does not create a robust shade canopy and has a softer structure with a tendency to lose branches; they suggested exploring the specification of a different tree. They also advised considering how the openings in the granite paving would accommodate growth of the trees over time.
The Commission looks forward to the further review of this important project, noting that future submissions will also need to address such topics as materials, acoustics, lighting, signage, equipment storage, and seasonal maintenance. Please continue consulting on the design development with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Kym A. Hall, Area Director
Region 1 – National Capital Area
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