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The wall covering and upholstery
in this seating area recall the test
patterns commonly seen on black-
and-white televisions in the early
This Just In
days of the medium.
This Just In

Broadcasters’ Association Headquarters

Looks to Both the Past and the Future

by Denise Liebowitz

All photos © Garrett Rowland

Over the course of the 20th century, first the radio and Project: National Association of Broadcasters,
then the TV came to define the heart of the American Washington, DC
home, and in the process helped to create social
norms and provide a gateway to the larger world. Architect: Hickok Cole
The new headquarters of the National Association of Base Building Architect: HOK
Broadcasters (NAB) pays homage to the storied history Environmental Graphics/Wayfinding Designer: Hickok Cole Creative
of the industry and its role in shaping national culture Structural Engineer: SK&A Structural Engineers
MEP Engineer: Dewberry
while at the same time showcasing the cutting-edge Lighting Consultant: Patricia Kazinski
technology of telecommunications in the 21st century. Audiovisual/Acoustical Consultant: Miller Bean & Paganelli
Seeking a site closer to Capitol Hill—the focus Audiovisual Integrator: Diversified
of its advocacy activities—NAB relocated from its Furniture Consultant: American Office
previous home just south of Dupont Circle to the Sustainable Design Consultant: Above Green
Art Consultant: Art Matters
vibrant new Capitol Riverfront area in Southeast Exhibit Designer/Digital Content Creator: Blue Cadet
Washington only a mile from the U.S. Capitol and Project Manager: CBRE
two blocks from the Washington Nationals baseball General Contractor: DAVIS
stadium. The new NAB 10-story building at the corner
of South Capitol and M streets, designed by HOK, a floors. Commercial tenants occupy the remainder of the
global design and architecture firm, delivers plenty of office space and retail is located at street level.
street presence with its dramatically curved façade. “NAB does a lot of entertaining and wanted that
The 60,000-square-foot NAB office space occupies part kind of hospitality space on the highest floor where
of the fifth floor and all of the sixth through the tenth there are great views of the Capitol,” said Matt Rohr,

38 THIS JUST IN