KRISTEN A. FOX

The design challenge for this project was to create a mixed use high rise construction in Arlington, Virginia.  The 30 story tower is visible from the National Mall, but also needs to respond to its local context.  The building features retail, hospitality, residential and underground parking components.  The base contains retail on the North and South facades, and the entrance to the hotel and the apartments are located on the Southern facade, which faces a public park. 

Using inspiration from Breuer, I designed the entire facade to be fabricated out of a set number of components to reduce cost.  The placement of the individual components became an exercise in patternmaking and rhythm.  Because the top of the structure can be seen from the National Mall, it was important to design the top of the building with the context in mind.  The Penthouse is based on several well-known Washington D.C. buildings, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Kennedy Center.  The top of the tower is actually visible from both of these precedents.