Fairfax County selected Bowie Gridley Architects to undertake a Feasibility Study/Concept Design for the renovation and expansion of the John Marshall Library in Alexandria, VA. In addition to traditional library services, this space is a vital community resource that provides access to information, meeting space and venues for community events. The library was constructed in 1975 and was in dire need of modernization. The design for the renovation celebrates John Marshall Library’s role in the community by dramatically opening up the exterior of the building to showcase the interior spaces, and creating a new entrance that welcomes visitors.
The renovated building includes improved collections and seating areas, quiet and group study rooms, and expanded staff work areas. All HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems were completely redone to modern standards and all interior room finishes and furnishings were provided. The design features light-filled, extra-high spine that connects all the main functions of the building, and establishes a modern, welcoming feel along the street. The project is pending USGBC LEED Silver certification approval.
Archive for the ‘Culture & Arts’ Category
John Marshall Library
Friday, May 3rd, 2019The Phillips Collection
Monday, October 17th, 2016As part of a series of projects for The Phillips Collection, Bowie Gridley completed a conceptual study for the addition of a rooftop penthouse on the main building— A Georgian Revival house dating to 1897—to resolve existing mechanical issues and to better protect the building and art below by enclosing all new MEP systems. In addition, the fourth floor will be entirely reconfigured. After considering several different approaches, the proposed design solution assumes the same height as the existing rooftop skylight, which was added in the 1930’s to create a studio space. The new roof is laid back from the face of the building to further differentiate itself from the existing skylight. The exterior treatment proposed is copper shingles matching the adjacent skylight which is large scale flat copper panels. The project was approved by DCHRPB and is scheduled to start construction in 2017 in coordination with the museum’s exhibition schedule.
St. Anne’s-Belfield Upper School Theater
Thursday, June 23rd, 2016The new theater for St. Anne’s-Belfield School’s Upper School will replace an aging, undersized facility that was created from a gymnasium.
- The room has a seating capacity of 460 on two levels – large enough for the entire Upper School and faculty.
- The room has the ability to darken the balcony and back sections for smaller audience sizes.
- The seating is shaped in a “half moon” configuration with a thrust stage to emphasize the visual connections of students in the audience with each other and with the speaker on the stage.
- The space is designed to create an intimate experience that reinforces a sense of community and belonging.
Woodrow Wilson Library
Tuesday, September 8th, 2015Through renovations and additions, the Woodrow Wilson Library now has improved collections and seating areas, daylighting in all public areas, improved after-hours access to meeting room facilities, a quiet room, and multiple group study rooms. Organized around a new light-filled spine, the relocated entrance is closer to the parking lot and connects all the main functions of the building, while establishing a modern, welcoming feel along the street. The renovation, which incorporates many sustainable design feautres, has achieved LEED Gold certification.
Dolley Madison Library
Thursday, October 13th, 2011BGA addressed community needs by enhancing the library and it’s connection to the surrounding park.
- Added a reading room, children’s reading area, staff workroom, circulation desks and community meeting rooms
- The design takes advantage of wooded site with views of the forest at McLean Central Park
- The project incorporated sustainable features such as a green roof, efficient and renewable energy, resource conservation and recycling, low environmental impact and an environmental education program and is LEED Gold certified
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Hillwood Museum
Monday, January 31st, 2011Hillwood is a renowned mansion museum containing a major collection of Russian fine and decorative arts. Bowie Gridley Architects was commissioned to design full interior and exterior renovations of the historic 1926 mansion.
- The interior was restored to original condition under Secretary of the Interior Guidelines
- BGA collaborated on technical aspects of historic preservation and in refurbishing the existing displays and adding new exhibit fixtures
- New lighting, security and data/telecommunication systems were important aspects of the design
- The project was featured in the September 2000 issue of Architectural Digest Magazine.
Bowie Gridley Architects also completed the design of the Museum Visitors’ Center, a 43,000 sf facility including a visitors’ orientation hall, a museum store and an auditorium with audio visual display. The Center features a large outdoor terrace that leads visitors to the mansion and its surrounding gardens.
Black Rock Center
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010This new cultural arts center serves as the centerpiece of the Town Center development in Germantown, Maryland.
- The project was designed to reflect the rural heritage of the site while providing modern facilities for entertainment and events
- In the main lobby space, custom cast monoliths and terrazzo floor, designed by artist Thomas Sayre, celebrate the agrarian heritage
- The first phase of work included a 210-seat proscenium theater, a 105-seat studio theater, dance studio, gallery, scene shop, green room, box office, art classrooms, and administrative offices
- An outdoor stage on the Town Square provides for summer performances
- A future second phase will add an additional 500-seat theater and support spaces
Thomas Balch Library
Tuesday, December 28th, 2010BGA provided complete architectural and interior design services for the renovation and addition to this historic 1922 library located in downtown Leesburg. The two-story addition allows expansion of the library’s collection, while providing a community meeting room with seating for 60 people. Special collections include rare and unique materials from regional and Virginia history and geneology.
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MAA Conference Center
Monday, December 27th, 2010BGA’s adaptive reuse transformed an existing 19th century carriage house into a state-of-the-art, flexible meeting space for classrooms, event space and conference center accommodating up to 60 people. Period interior construction reflects the original structure’s past while sensitivity to replacing exterior detailing was paramount, referencing its utilitarian past.
George School Library Learning Commons
Monday, December 27th, 2010The new LEED Gold learning commons and library provides more flexible, collaborative faculty-student group space, individual quiet study areas, and greater access to technology. Another special feature is the green design that reflects the school’s concern for our earth’s resources. Heating and cooling is supplied by a geothermal system, rain water is directed to rain gardens and absorbed on a vegetation roof, and overall the building will save energy and produce fewer carbon emissions.
Bowie Gridley Architects was also selected to design a new athletic center for George School, which is currently well under construction.
Norfolk Academy
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010BGA’s design for the Tucker Arts Center at Norfolk Academy was intended to replace a 1970’s structure and to create an all new entry facade for the school.
- The 62,900 sf Center includes new exhibition, performance, and classroom space for the Academy’s fine and performing arts program
- A two-story performing arts lobby creates a dramatic, light-filled entry which can accommodate informal gatherings
- A new 575-seat end-stage theater with balcony, black-box/performance theater, and accompanying support spaces are the centerpiece of the project
- Dance studios, an instrumental band room, music rehearsal and practice rooms, and a state-of-the-art “midi-lab” support the central performing arts space
- Visual arts education is accommodated in the new computer/graphic design lab, a metal working studio, a ceramics studio with outdoor work area, and various art rooms
