Page 64 - Summer_2019

ArchDC Summer 2019.qxp_Spring 2019 5/22/19 3:02 PM Page 62

Multipurpose room, with large folding door that opens up to the courtyard.

the concept design for the Commons. The development team then the Commons and for hungry people citywide. The Lobby Market,
selected cox graae + spack architects (cg+s) to bring the vision to also accessed from the Hub, offers no-cost shopping (up to once
life. (Note: While the author has worked at both cg+s and Perkins a month for each family) for fresh fruits and vegetables and
Eastman, he was not involved in the project at either firm.) nutritious pantry staples.
Everything at the Commons begins in the Hub, a trapezoidal Throughout the interior, the architecture reinforces the mission.
gathering space at the center of the 57,000-square-foot building’s The Martha’s Table administrative offices, located on the second
L-shaped plan. William Spack, AIA, a founding principal at cg+s, floor, are accessed via an open mezzanine with views to the Hub
said, “We envisioned the building as a vessel to support the and site playgrounds and gardens. As staff members go about
programs...with the Hub as the crossroads.” A monumental their day, they see, hear, and even smell the community-serving
gathering bleacher/stair dynamically connects the building’s two activities going on in the kitchen and childcare spaces below.
levels and provides ample seating. On Friday nights, the community Circulation and public spaces flow seamlessly, taking advantage
is invited in for special events, including cooking demonstrations, of ample daylight from floor-to-ceiling windows that also maximize
live music and dance, and fun activities for kids. When the weather city views. By contrast, more intimate spaces, including counseling
is nice, the action spills outside onto the paved Kitchen Terrace, with offices and health care rooms in the Community of Hope wing, are
colorful picnic tables and a view of the Washington Monument. screened from view by translucent films that allow light transmission
The adjacent multipurpose space features large, glassy overhead while protecting occupants’ privacy.
doors, allowing the spaces to be combined for volunteer and The interior finish palette emphasizes natural wood textures
community gatherings. A commercial kitchen, the center of the and industrial metal accents. Where natural wood would not stand
Martha’s Table Healthy Eating initiative, produces hundreds of up to the building’s heavy use, alternative materials including plastic-
meals each week, both for the daycare/after-care populations at laminate wall panels and patterned porcelain floor tiles were

62 A SEAT AT THE TABLE