Letter
Dear Ms. Mavritte:
In its meeting of 20 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed and approved the concept design for the proposed Embassy of Morocco to be constructed on lot #4 of the International Center in northwest Washington.
The Commission members made no objection to the general concept of the massing and footprint of the proposed building and supported the reference to traditional Moroccan architecture as reflected in the entrance archway on the main facade. However, they commented that the secondary arches flanking the main entrance are confusing and unnecessary since they are not used as passages and distract from the purpose and significance of the central arch. In general, the Commission members expressed concern that the exterior treatment of the main office portion of the building was unresolved in relation to the more explicitly historic elements; they recommended that the building's skin be restudied, whether in a more straightforwardly historic manner or one that is more expressive of the modern office functions within.
The Commission looks forward to reviewing a revised concept that responds to these comments at your earliest convenience. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/
Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Donna Mavritte, Project Manager
International Chancery Center
United States Department of State
Office of Real Property Management
A/OPR/RPM, Room 1264
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
cc: Eric Morrison, Morrison Architects