Letter
Dear Mr. Otteni:
In its meeting of 20 January, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept proposal for additions, facade alterations, and site modifications to the office building at 500 North Capitol Street, NW (case number SL 11-038). The Commission supported the general development of the design and offered the following guidance.
In their discussion, the Commission members commented that the proportions and composition of the facades had been improved from the previous submission and they supported the concept of using several curtainwall treatments to suggest a varied massing for the building. However, they recommended further development of the relationship among the different facade types—the floating curtainwall at the southeast corner, the framed bays at the west and north ends, and the glass fabric in between. They suggested several ways to accentuate the more vertical character of the framed portions—such as by lowering the height of the glass skin proposed to extend above the roof—and to strengthen the articulation of the framed volumes where they meet the ground. In general, the Commission members requested clarification and documentation of the cladding systems including their dimensions, materials, and relationships to each other. They commented favorably on the simplified landscape design and recommended that the color of the planters relate more directly to the paving materials.
The Commission looks forward to the review of the next submission. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA Secretary
Peter Otteni
Boston Properties
505 9th Street, NW , Suite 800
Washington, DC 20004
cc: Jeff Barber, Gensler
Anne Adams, Goulston & Storrs