Lobby and Courtyard Concept Design.pdf

1 Entrance Lobby & Courtyard Design

INTRODUCTION

Karn Charuhas Chapman & Twohey (KCCT) is pleased to submit its Conceptual Design for Phase One of the renovation of the existing Main Lobby and Courtyard, and new Visitors Center for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). We are assisted by a team of distinguished consultants that includes Riggs Ward Design, interpretive designers, and Rhodeside and Harwell, landscape architects, as the two major contributors to the design of the Visitors Center and Courtyard respectively. In addition, our consultants E.K.... Fox, MEP; Johns & Bhatia, structural;

and PMSI, cost estimating provided technical opinions and preliminary cost for the proposed concept.

In response to the Statement of Work (SOW), we based our design concept on the following objectives:

1. Establish a new identity for the CFPB that refl ects its mission to make markets for consumer fi nancial products and services work for Americans.

The Financial Destination Empowering America’s Consumers

2. Provide a Visitors Center that will serve as a “Destination” for the public and visitors to the nation’s capital.

3. Create a cohesive design that supports the implementation of CFPB’s core functions to: 1) Promote fi nancial education, 2) Enforce consumer fi nancial laws, and 3) Study available information to better understand consumers, fi nancial service providers, and consumer fi nancial markets.

4. Develop sustainable, accessible, friendly and usable public spaces appropriate to the strategic location of the CFPB.

5. Maintain a sense of accessibility and transparency in the design both physical and symbolic.

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT

Our design concept emphasizes the visibility and relevance of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in its strategic location on 17th Street, across from the Eisenhower Building, View of the Entrance from Across 17th Street and less than a block away from the White House.

The design for new Lobby, Visitor Center and Courtyard envisions these three interrelated areas supporting each other in a sequence of transparent, sustainable, accessible, and pedestrian friendly spaces: Contemporary elegant and dignifi ed spaces that befi t CFPB and complement the public, commercial, and cultural activities of the environs.

The concept also envisions the transformation of the courtyard into a greener and more usable space that will reduce the carbon footprint, collect water, provide energy through a new glass canopy with photovoltaic fi lm adjacent to the west facade, support commercial areas surrounding the Courtyard, provide seating and space for appropriate performances adjacent to a new water wall, and in general consider the arts an essential component of this vision. This project will require review by the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission.

2 Lobby & Visitors Center

Public LobbySecure Lobby

Visitors Center

Exhibition Space Refer to Sheet 5 for Exhibition Information and Plan

Existing Retail Space

New Main Entrance from 17th Street

Keynotes & Legend

Accessible Entrance

Courtyard Entrance

Security/Information Desk

Security Gates

New Spiral Staircase

Security Screening

Elevator Lobby

New Seating/Waiting Area

Visitors Center Entrance

Visitors Center Security Screening

Visitors Center Exit

Public Restroom

Emergency Exit

Public Lobby

Secure Lobby

Visitors Center

Existing

ENTRANCE AND EXTERIOR

We propose to locate the main entrance to the Lobby appropriately on 17th Street, as the principal thoroughfare, and the most prominent and visible location on the façade of the building. New granite steps extending the full width of the central bay of the east façade, and partially covered by a glass canopy, will lead to the glass entrance. CFPB’s name and logo will be etched on the glass panel next to the revolving entry.

To further emphasize the entrance and distinguish the main façade of the building, we propose two design modifi cations that are not required by the SOW, but will add value to the project: 1) The façade of the central bay, above the new entrance, will be re-glazed to locate the glass windows fl ush with the exterior perimeter of the building for the four offi ce fl oors above the Lobby.

This provides a smooth surface that contrasts with the deep recesses on either side, and emphasizes the entry to the building while adding usable area and, 2) At the northeast corner, the existing straight wall of the Lobby will be replaced with a curved wall, similar to the existing at the southeast corner, unifying and balancing the 17th Street façade while adding space for seating in the Lobby.

The east entrance to the Courtyard from 17th Street consists of new continuous granite steps and handicapped ramp that provide open and unencumbered access to the plaza. The small existing sunken garden at basement level has been removed to avoid impediments to circulation caused by the opening and heavy masonry guard walls. Near the top of the steps at the level of the Courtyard a new sculpture, one of several proposed, will welcome pedestrians.

Beyond, at the west end of the plaza, the large plain concrete wall in the west façade above the breezeway provides an excellent location for monumental public art by contemporary artists. We propose similar treatment for the other two plain walls on the south elevation of the Courtyard over the other two breezeways leading to G Street. Public artwork is not included in our cost estimate.

Employee Circulation Offi cial Visitor Circulation

Adaptable Circulation

View Into Main Lobby

LOBBY AND ENTRANCE TO VISITORS CENTER

The concept for the Lobby is simple and direct, and aims at opening the entire space to views in all directions. Clear visibility is an essential component of security, and it will enhance the experience of entering the building with views of the elevator lobby, new glass stair and entrance to the Visitors Center. Upon leaving the building there will be expansive views of the Eisenhower Building to the east, the Courtyard to the south and the Corcoran Museum and Blair House to the northeast.

The two existing entrances will be retained, but the steps on the north entrance will be replaced by a ramp to provide full accessibility from the sidewalk level into the lobby. The security/information desk has been located in close proximity to the entrance to the Visitors Center, and the security gates located directly in front of the main entrance and elevator lobby. The existing open stair to the second fl oor has been replaced by a glass and steel spiral stair to the north of the elevator lobby. The shape of the ceiling refl ects the stepped fl oor of the auditorium above.

The interior walls of the lobby will be clad in translucent glass panels to convey a feeling of lightness and transparency. Likewise, the entrance to the Visitors Center will be of glass panels, and the same fi nish will be maintained throughout the Visitors Center interior.

4 Visitor Approach

Visitors Center Circulation

View of Entrance Into New Visitors Center

EXHIBITION SPACE

During this period of economic recovery, America’s government and citizens are striving to move forward. Recovery must occur on the collective level as well as the individual level. The mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is to make markets for consumer fi nancial products and services work for Americans-whether they are applying for a mortgage, choosing among credit cards, or using any number of other consumer fi nancial products. By using the concept of a tree, we will demonstrate how small savings will mature into strong fi nancial security. Communities that save together, benefi t together.

Upon entering the visitor center, visitors will encounter a video that introduces them to the services offered by the CFPB. Along this same wall, interpretive panels and on-demand videos will further explain the core functions of the CFPB. The visitor experience will continue into the plaza with a series of glass interpretive panels. The etched panels will be edge-lit so that they can be viewed in the evening. A couple of the panels may receive projected video in the evenings that reinforce the mission of the CFPB. Visitors to the CFPB will walk away with more knowledge of the services available to protect them from future fi nancial diffi culties.

5 Engaging Exhibition Space

View of the New Exhibition Space

Protecting You

Videos “Real Stories” Videos, Consumer Testimonies

CFPB’s Consumer PSA Videos

Cop on the Beat

Educational Resources

Consumer Questions

Mission

Introduction

The Bureau Educate

Enforce

Study

Bureau’s Structure

Exhibition Space

THE BUREAU

• Educate: Promote fi nancial education to inform consumers.

• Enforce: Supervise banks, credit unions, and fi nancial companies, and enforce Federal consumer fi nancial laws.

• Study: Gather and analyze available information to better understand consumers, fi nancial service providers, and consumer fi nancial markets.

On the opposite wall will be information to protect and educate the consumer. A large multi-touch interactive table will enable visitors to research the resources available on the Web and to interact with games that challenge visitors to make fi nancially responsible decisions.

PROTECTING YOU

• Cop on the Beat

• Educational Resources

• Consumer Questions

Visitors to the CFPB will walk away with more knowledge of the services available to protect them from future fi nancial diffi culties.

Interpretive panels in the plaza will reinforce the concepts introduced in the visitor center.

VVVVViiiiiieeeewww oooff tthhheee NNNNNNeeeeeeeewwwww EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEExxxxxxxhhhhhhhhiiiiiibbbbbbbiiiiiitttttttiiiiiiooooooonnnnnnnn SSSSSSSSpppppppaaaaaaacccccccceeeeeee

East-West Section Looking North

Transparent Landscape

Keynotes

New Entrance Stair at 17th Street NW

Relocated Bronze Medallions on Wall

Stone Plinth with Sculpture/Art

Illuminated Glass Interpretive Panels

Open Area for Events & Entertainment

Water Wall Fountain Recirculates Harvested Storm water from Horizon-tal Surfaces

LANDSCAPE AND SITE DESIGN

The new design utilizes existing elevation changes of about 30” in the main part of the plaza to capture depth for planting soil, as well as to increase barrier-free access. Existing plaza openings to lower levels of the building will be removed to allow for expanded usable space on the plaza level.

A bold, contemporary design gesture is made by a stone seat wall leading into the space, creating a pediment for a single sculpture, and a base for translucent interpretive elements that would be illuminated at night and would glow in the sunlight by day. The design allows freedom of movement, increased visibility from 17th Street, and a welcoming entry into the space.

Green Roof on Existing Structure

Accessible Ramp

Stone Paving Surface

Crushed Aggregate Paving

Stone Seat Wall

Movable Tables and Chairs

Deciduous Shade Trees

Medium Sized Ornamental Flowering Tree

Mixed Grasses & Perennial Planting

Medium Height Evergreen Shrub Screen Hedge

Stone Plinths for Artwork Display

Glass Canopy with PV Film

Improved Landscaping at 17th Street Entrance

Illuminated Steel Rills Flush to Paved Surface

7 Sustainable Urban Community

View within the New Courtyard

Looking East to Fountain

Highlights of the design include:

• The entrance from 17th street with a single, gracious stair leading into the plaza and the new visitor center entrance.

• A series of glass interpretive panels through the plaza and gardens featuring the sustainable initiatives incorporated into the landscape.

• A large curved water wall for a dramatic backdrop adding, cooling water fl ow, and white noise to help quiet the sounds of city traffi c; the water wall is visible from throughout the courtyard space.

• A paved open central space for events, gatherings, and entertainment; the pavement design is continued into the interior of the building for continuity and additional interpretive potential.

• A crushed gravel area shaded by Honey Locust trees provides a cool place with dappled shade and seating with movable chairs and tables. The gravel surface allows for permeability to help capture rain water for the trees. Stabilized areas for barrier-free access are incorporated.

• Within the garden areas are opportunities for art and sculpture display, raised beds with fl owering trees, and a variety of native ornamental grasses and perennials.

• A green roof would be added to the roof of an existing building structure. This opportunity would provide visual interest from the fl oors above as well as providing additional management of storm water.

• Water from rainfall will be harvested from the building roofs and pavement surfaces and stored in a tank for irrigation and as a source of water for the re-circulating water wall fountain. In this way, no potable water will be used providing a signifi cant savings to the agency over time.

• The new glass canopy on the west side of the plaza will provide an enhanced shaded environment for retail and outdoor restaurant patrons. The canopy structure incorporates photovoltaic panels to collect solar energy to energize the fountain and to support energy required by the glass interpretive program elements.