After a rejection earlier in the year, Frank Gehry has gotten some good news: his revised design for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial, located in Washington, D.C., has received preliminary approval.
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 10-1 to approve the revision, according to Architecture Lab. The same commission rejected Gehry's original proposal months ago, citing concerns about the large metal tapestries proposed by the architect and how they would affect the view to and from Capitol Hill.
In September, Gehry unveiled the new design, with the metal tapestries removed along with other changes. After the approval, Gehry said in a statement: "I'm grateful to the National Capital Planning Commission for its decision, and for its cooperative engagement in resolving the issues."
According to the Los Angeles Times, members of the Eisenhower family have expressed strong disapproval of the design, even the revised version.
The memorial must go through other levels of approval before it is finalized, including funding approval from Congress; the estimated cost of construction is over $100 million.
The revised design addresses several concerns raised during the NCPC meeting earlier this year:
• The design revisions eliminate the East and West Tapestries, allowing the influence of the adjacent buildings to define and unify the site.
• The northern singular columns are set back more than 47 feet from the Independence Avenue Right-of-Way and are fully within the planes of the adjacent building facades.
• The revised design has widened the Maryland Avenue view corridor from 95 feet to 135 feet. This creates a more proportionally horizontal framing of the U.S. Capitol.
• Original concept included four columns that were within the 160-foot right of way. With the elimination of the side tapestries, the revised plan now includes only two columns within the southern edge of 160-foot right of way.
Related Stories
Cultural Facilities | Oct 28, 2015
New York City’s underground 'Lowline' green space enters the testing phase
If realized, The Lowline would provide 1.5 acres of green space for the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
Sponsored | Cladding and Facade Systems | Oct 27, 2015
The 'new' Gaillard Center gets a standing ovation for its exterior cladding
The “new construction” surrounds three sides of the original building, offering both a classic public structure and exquisite outdoor spaces.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 9, 2015
Sanaa-designed cultural center opens at Connecticut’s Grace Farms
The 83,000-sf The River is five pavillions with space for a sanctuary, library, and gym.
Museums | Sep 29, 2015
Designs unveiled for Warsaw Art Museum and Theatre
Emphasizing the building’s role in the public sphere, the museum will be accessible from all sides.
Cultural Facilities | Sep 24, 2015
Bakpak Architects' 'pottery courtyard' concept in Poland incorporates local heritage
The multifunctional building proposed for Rzeszow, Poland, looks like it was handcrafted on a potter’s wheel.
Museums | Sep 22, 2015
David Adjaye releases plans for Ruby City art gallery in San Antonio
San Antonio's Ruby City will hold 800 works of art in 10,000 sf of exhibition space.
Casinos | Sep 22, 2015
Sovereign territory ruling allows for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's $500 million casino
The Massachusetts-based tribe has plans for a 150,000-sf casino and 600-room hotel, along with a waterpark and event center.
Libraries | Aug 27, 2015
Barack Obama Foundation begins search for presidential library architect
Both national and foreign firms will compete for chance to design the Chicago-based Presidential Center.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 19, 2015
Proposed “High Line” in Mexico City pays homage to Aztec aqueduct
Plans for Mexico City’s elevated park include an amphitheatre and al fresco cafés.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 5, 2015
Ultramoderne wins Chicago Architecture Biennial kiosk design competition
Dubbed Chicago Horizon, the 3,200-sf structure will feature a chin-height rooftop viewing platform that will offer visitors unimpeded views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.