Federal Reserve Entry Pavilion

Many factors combine to establish America’s governmental presence, but none is more tangible than the design and prominence of government buildings.  The Federal Reserve complex is such an example.  The opportunities are great in not only providing for much needed space and security control but for further establishing these important buildings as a shining example of the positive influence of our government to our citizens and the world.
The design for the Federal Reserve Board Visitor Center and optional Podium Conference and Meeting Center is an important project for the Federal Reserve in its effort to protect the buildings and its inhabitants from physical harm, improve the entry experience for the employee and visitors, and provide for much needed conference and meeting facilities for the functionality of the Board.
Today we face the unique challenge of portraying the United States as an open democracy but at the same time provide for the security and well being of our employees and citizens.  Openness and security are not mutually exclusive.  We believe that both can be accomplished.  Our government buildings should express the values of the United States and at the same time protect our government employees.

DESIGN APPROACH

The project sites itself in the monumental core of the nation’s capital which creates several challenges; it must be sensitive to the integrity of the adjacent historic landmark Eccles Building, provide critical function elements to the modern Martin Building, and seamlessly balance the architectural integrity of the entire complex.  The project must ultimately reveal itself as a confident and secure solution that elevates the overall architectural experience.
Our demonstrative design concept from its inceptions focused on meeting the detailed functional requirements of the preliminary outline program and to thoughtfully and surgically insert the new additions into the existing Martin Building.  At the same time our approach functionally and aesthetically integrates all building systems into the overall design.
Our site plan reflects our approach by integrating the additions, both the Visitor Pavilion and the Podium Level extensions into the overall landscape terraces.  The overall intent is to minimize the impact of the new building elements and to visually integrate and harmonize with both the Martin and Eccles buildings.

Location: Washington, DC
Services:Repositioning, Reorganization & Renovation
Size:15,000 SF