Letter
Dear Mr. Cinkala:
In its meeting of 17 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a concept design for new retail entrance pavilions, landscape modifications, and associated structures at 435 L'Enfant Plaza, SW (case number SL 12-017). The Commission expressed appreciation for the project team's responsiveness to its previous comments and approved the concept with recommendations for further development of the design.
The Commission members strongly supported the new approach of designing a landscape–rather than a building–within the central open space of the L'Enfant Plaza complex; to strengthen this concept, they encouraged further exploration of the glazed forms set within this landscape in order to give them a greater sculptural presence. The Commission members noted that walking on the proposed raised skylight platform could be a disorienting experience within the composition of formal paths and parterres; they recommended that the glazed walking surface be lowered to the level of the overall plaza, or possibly eliminated to create a simpler, continuous field containing a series of sculptural glass follies. In addition, the Commission members questioned the appearance of the two proposed ventilation enclosures and recommended further study of these as they contribute to the character of the overall design.
The Commission looks forward to the review of a revised concept proposal. As always, the staff is available to assist you with the next submission.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Dean Cinkala
The JBG Companies
4445 Willard Avenue, Suite 400
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
cc: Colden Florance, SmithGroupJJR