Question for the Campus Plan RFP.pdf

Question for the Campus Plan RFP F12SOL10015

1. Do the RFP organizers aim for this to be a preservation project, where the goal is to maintain/upgrade the history of the site, or are the design teams encouraged to propose innovative solutions and interventions for the Smithsonian’s new campus master plan? The interest in innovation and new design isn’t clear in the project brief, and neither is the extent of the preservation requirements.

Answer: Design teams are encouraged to propose innovative solutions and interventions. Bold designs that are appropriate to the varied historic context of the study area will be encouraged.

The design team’s sophisticated understanding of this historic context would be important in developing innovative design options. The Smithsonian expects to present the proposed Campus Master Plan – Phase 1 to the National Capital Planning Commission, the US Commission of Fine Arts and the DC Office of Historic Preservation and may require the selected design team’s participation in briefings of agency staff, in conducting a coordinated NEPA and Section 106 process and in preparing agency submission packages. The Smithsonian values its historic buildings and while encouraging innovation, preservation will always be a consideration in the final design. The Campus Master Plan – Phase 1 will not require the development of historic structures reports, historic building or district nominations or detailed preservation plans for individual buildings.