Letter
Dear Dr. Jordan:
In its meeting of 20 May, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the concept design for the renovation of the Japanese Pavilion at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum located in the U.S. National Arboretum. The Commission members endorsed the application of the Japanese principles of shin, gyo, and so—formal, semi-formal, and informal—to the progression of the visitor's experience through the Japanese Pavilion.
The Commission members commented that the various designs for the plinths, the introduction of low landscaping, and the proposed lighting will enhance the bonsai exhibit; they also agreed that the bluestone paving and the new design for the roof beams and screens would be an improvement over the existing conditions which have deteriorated since the pavilion's construction in 1976. The Commission members expressed particular support for the proposal to light the wall behind the exhibits in order to highlight the features of each bonsai specimen.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing the final design. As always, staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Dr. Ramon Jordan, Interim Director
U.S. National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002-1958
cc: Lisa Bynum, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Faye Harwell, Rhodeside & Harwell