Letter
Dear Ms. Chiu:
In its public meeting of 20 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts was pleased to hear an information presentation on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the building and landscape of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. The Commission expressed strong support for the continued renovation of this significant Modernist landmark designed by Gordon Bunshaft of SOM, opened in 1974 and modified by Lester Collins in 1981, and provided the following comments for the development of the concept design.
The Commission members acknowledged the substantial scope and complexity of the proposal and commended the project team for its thoughtful design analysis and concise presentation; they endorsed the overall approach for improving the building plaza’s accessibility, habitability, and potential for the display of artwork. However, they emphasized that the museum building’s principal character-defining features—a carefully proportioned concrete drum supported by four massive sculptural piers—should be prioritized as the design is developed. Accordingly, they expressed concern regarding the potential impact of some of the presented modifications, including the lobby expansion and the rooftop mechanical enclosure.
In their discussion, the Commission members observed that the proposed lobby expansion would substantially encapsulate the two southern piers with glazing—fundamentally altering the floating appearance of the drum and the architectonic clarity of the piers. They therefore recommended studying other configurations for the lobby that would minimize its expansion, such as by extending it only to the west to accommodate the security screening area. For the rooftop mechanical addition, they found that its conspicuous form would detract from the proportions of the drum as conceived by Bunshaft and would be easily perceived within the important context of the National Mall. They advised that if the new mechanical systems cannot be sunken into the building or located elsewhere, then the visual impact of the equipment and any enclosure should be minimized as much as possible; for example, they suggested studying an option without a structured roof in order to lower the height of the mechanical enclosure.
For the program of site improvements, the Commission members expressed support for the presented design alternative to rebuild the fountain, which would integrate an oculus into the water basin to bring daylight down to the renovated lower level. They recommended further study of the basin when filled with water, as the water’s coloration and its appearance from above would be affected by the reduced depth. They also requested documentation of how the new accessible ramps at Jefferson Drive would engage the plaza and the historic perimeter walls, commenting that these new elements should be compatible with the historic building and landscape context.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a concept design for this ambitious project. Please continue to consult with the staff which, as always, is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Melissa Chiu, Director
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Independence Avenue and 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20560
cc: Chris Cooper, SOM
Michael Baskett, Selldorf Architects
Beka Sturges, Reed Hilderbrand Landscape Architecture