Page 56 - ArchDC_Summer 2020

The pre-function space before renovation.
Courtesy of Gensler

Lobby and pre-function space, with entrance to the screening room/theater at left.
into a composition with distinct horizontal emphasis. area. The pre-function space is defined by a curvilinear
The renovated exterior retains a sense of depth that yields wall that links the reception desk, theater entrance,
changing patterns of light and shadow—a welcome concession stand, and a large digital screen visible
contrast to the flat, humdrum glass boxes that have from the street, creating a dynamic contrast to the
become all-too common in downtown DC. underlying rectilinearity of the base building. The
Prior to renovation, the building’s landscaping serpentine wall, the shape of which was inspired by
largely hid the ground floor interior spaces from old-time movie reels, is lined with vertical, champagne-
passing pedestrians, and the two main entrances—one colored metal fins that evoke the pleats in billowing
off of 16th Street for the offices and one off of I Street theatrical curtains.
for the movie-screening facilities—were tucked well “Our partners at [architectural fabricator] Eventscape
behind the perimeter columns. The design team, along helped us fabricate and experiment with the fin spacing,”
with landscape architecture firm OCULUS, reworked the said John McKinney, IIDA, principal and design
site plan to minimize visual barriers. The designers also director at Gensler. “We did a full-size mock-up of a
added glassy new vestibules that bring the entrances ten-foot section, then played with how the lighting
closer to the sidewalk and opened up the interior of the works. The perception of the surface changes as you
office lobby to create a more commodious entry space. move—when you look at it straight on, you see the
“The split entrances created an interesting backdrop wall, made of high-contrast plastic laminate.”
dynamic in terms of the ground-level experience,” said In order to lend interest to the expansive ceiling in
Jordan Goldstein, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, principal the pre-function area, Gensler created a custom system
and global director of design for Gensler. “They must of faceted, stretched-fabric panels. Although based on
be treated in a way that recognizes that one is the a standardized kit of parts, the panels are installed in
larger threshold for the building, and the other wanted an irregular pattern that makes it appear as though the
a strong connection to the MPA event spaces from the entire ceiling were specially sculpted. The panelized
street. We wanted to build anticipation into the entry system allows easy access to mechanical equipment
sequence for each.” above, while the fabric surface helps to control the
The MPA event spaces on the first and second floors acoustics of the large space.
include a 118-seat screening theater, a concession stand, To enhance the sense of drama in the procession
a “green room,” and a spacious lobby/pre-function from the pre-function area into the screening room,
54 HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC