Beyond Granite: A Design Competition for a Temporary Commemorative Installation

Beyond Granite: A Design Competition for a Temporary Commemorative

Installation at the Ariel Rios Hemicycle, Washington, DC

Sponsor: U.S. government (General Services Administration and National Capitol Planning Commission)

Type: RfQ, two-stage

Fee: none

Language: English

Eligibility: Artists, architects, landscape architects

Timetable:

1 March 2012 – Submission deadline for RfQ (3PM EST)

Budget: $200,000-300,000

Site: The site is a grassy semi-circle along 12th Street NW in the Federal Triangle area of Washington, DC. Immediately in front of the Ariel Rios Federal Building, it is known as the Ariel Rios Hemicycle. Although the site is adjacent to the Federal Triangle Metrorail Station and is a nexus for vehicular and pedestrian traffic moving between the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue and between the Old Post Office Pavilion and the Woodrow Wilson Plaza, the site itself is underutilized and undistinguished. Through the competition, NCPC and GSA seek to activate the site and make it a more memorable and attractive public space.  Concurrent with this competition, NCPC and GSA will be making permanent site enhancements such as new seating and improvements to the landscaping. Any other proposed modifications to the site must not permanently impact the façade of the historic Ariel Rios Federal Building, and also must not adversely affect the operations or structure of the Metrorail station located under the site.

Design Challenge:

NCPC and GSA seek proposals that embody defining precepts of the founding of Earth Day, its legacy, and environmentally sustainable practices. Works should inspire the audience to reflect upon the impact of Earth Day over the past 40 years, environmental achievements going forward, and the challenges that remain. Works also should be site specific, designed to respond to the Hemicycle’s urban form and context.

For more information, and to register:

www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=47a80d8af9daa73eab52adf639d062b9&tab=core&_cview=0