Letter
Dear Mr. Bryan:
In the meeting of 20 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the concept design for the proposed replacement entrance gates and new security screening facility for the main entrance to Bolling Air Force Base and did not approve the submission. While the Commission members regret the need for such large-scale interventions at the entrances to our nation's military bases, they acknowledge the current need to provide secure access.
The Commission members commented that the quality of design represented in this proposal was not up to the standard that should be mandatory for the main gateway leading into such an important military installation. They noted that the plan for the entrance way is very compressed due to its site restrictions and that the proposed design of the structures was overbearing and inappropriate.
The discussion focused on the central canopy and there were several suggestions made to improve its design, including a recommendation that a different configuration should be considered to present a more distinguished environment for both the visitor and the base's personnel. The Commission requested that you and your design team work with the staff to develop an acceptable scheme for this gate that would be dignified and of the highest quality of design befitting one of our city's most significant military installations.
The Commission looks forward to the development and review of the project's concept design at your earliest convenience. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Mike Bryan, Department of the Navy
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington
1314 Harwood Street, SE
Washington Navy Yard
Washington, DC 20374-5018
cc: Harry I. Martin, III, EFA Chesapeake
Anthony R. Buscemi, Wiley & Wilson