PRESIDENTIAL H DESIGN ARTS PROGRAM * NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/presidentialdesiOOback / rfjftgft, \ P R E S I P E N T I A I \^~-^ 9 8 T~ 8 DESIGN ARTS PROGRAM * NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS This publication was produced under a cooperative agreement between Thomas B. Grooms and the Design Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts. John E. Frohnmayer, Chairman National Endowment for the Arts Randolph McAusland, Director Design Arts Program Mina Berry man, Assistant Director Design Arts Program Writers: Nicholas Backlund Thomas B. Grooms Editor: Marcia Sartwell Design: Pat Taylor, Inc. ISSN 1049-54 IX May 1990 CONTENTS 4 Preface 5 Letter from President George Bush 6 Criteria for Jury Evaluation 7 Presidential Awards For Design Excellence 8 Presidential Jury Members 9 Letter from President Ronald Reagan to Award Recipients 1 Award-Winning Projects and Programs 3 1 Federal Design Achievement Awards 32 Achievement Jury Members 33 Graphics and Industrial Design 49 Architecture and Interior Design 65 Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Planning 7 1 Engineering 76 Photo Credits 77 Index of Award -Winning Projects by Design Discipline 79 Index of Award-Winning Projects by Federal Department and Agency PREFACE The federal government is the nation's single largest builder, printer, and user of designed products and design services. Each year, it spends approxi- mately $40 billion on design and construction activities. Ensuring that the government gets the best design is an inte- gral part of responsible stew- ardship of public resources. The Presidential Design Awards were established by President Reagan in 1 983 to help foster exemplary federal design. The awards honor achievements in the fields of architecture, engineering, graphic design, historic preser- vation, interior design, land- scape architecture, industrial design, urban design and plan- ning. Programs and policies stimulating good design, as well as design products and projects, are eligible for awards. All federal employees, as well as federal contractors, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations are invited to apply for an award. The principal require- ments are that the work has been authorized, commis- sioned, produced, or supported by the federal government, and has been completed within ten years prior to the call for entries. The awards are made every four years and are administered by the Design Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts as part of its ongoing Federal Design Improvement Program. This book honors the 1988 design award recipients. In rec- ognizing these design projects and programs, the Arts Endow- ment seeks to educate federal administrators and the general public about the value of good design. The design problem, process, and solution are explained to help readers bet- ter understand the role of design as a management and communication tool. Private enterprise need not be the only beneficiary of the invest- ment in good design; quality design can similarly assist fed- eral agencies in accomplishing their missions. The awards were selected through a two-stage jury process. The first round was undertaken by four subjuries comprised of professionals from architecture and interior design, engineering design, graphics and industrial design, and landscape architecture, urban design and planning. These juries reviewed more than 500 entries from 64 fed- eral departments and agencies. Sixty-eight projects ranging from U.S. embassies to graphic standards manuals were selected to receive Federal Design Achievement Awards, the Arts Endowment's own highest award for design. The 68 projects awarded Federal Design Achievement Awards in the first round then became eligible for a Presiden- tial award. A second jury rec- ommended that ten of these projects receive a Presidential Award for Design Excellence; these were presented in a White House ceremony in the Indian Treaty Room on Novem- ber 10, 1988. The federal government is a major player in American design; as such it should also be a leader in the design com- munity. Through the Federal Design Improvement Program, initiated by President Nixon in 1972 and supported by each successive president, the Arts Endowment is committed to helping agencies achieve the highest standards of design. We are proud to play an active role in fostering design excellence and to recognize those individ- uals responsible for fulfilling the public trust through quality in federal design. John E. Frohnmayer Chairman Randolph McAusland Director, Design Arts Program 4 1988 Presidential Design Awards ^ THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 20, 1989 From our earliest days as a nation, our leaders have been aware of the need for quality Federal design in government buildings, programs, and products. George Washington participated in the design and planning of our Nation's Capital, and the City of Washington is splendid evidence that the benefits of thoughtful, deliberate design are timeless. Today, Federal design projects continue to transform visionary concepts into reality, producing buildings, landscapes, and products that meet human needs by combining performance with inspiration and utility with art. The Federal Government is fortunate to have many talented professionals who design a wide variety of subject matter — from office buildings to postage stamps — with attention to the finest detail. I commend the winners of the 1988 Presidential Design Awards and the Federal Design Achievement Awards for using their skill and vision to make valuable con- tributions to excellence in American design. The Federal Design Improvement Program represents a commitment to improving design in all areas of Federal activity. The projects described in these pages are prologue to the work ahead. 1 988 Presidential Design Awards CRITERIA FOR JURY EVALUATION PURPOSE The undertaking must make a contribution that improves the federal government's ability to fulfill its mission. LEADERSHIP The undertaking should estab- lish exemplary design prac- tices, standards, or guidelines that can serve as models for federal design activities. COST The undertaking should be cost-efficient on a life-cycle basis and should demonstrate careful design and planning without sacrificing perfor- mance or quality. AESTHETICS The undertaking must demon- strate aesthetic sensibility and be appropriate in image, form, and context. PERFORMANCE The undertaking must demon- strate a high level of technical and functional proficiency in all aspects of performance. 1988 PRESlDfcNTIAL DESICN AWARDS PRESIDENTIAL JURY MEMBERS Frank Stanton, Chair New York, NY Corporate Executive Florence Knoll Bassett Coconut Grove, FL Architect, Interior Designer Claire Bogaard Pasadena, CA Historic Preservationist Henry Cobb New York, NY Architect Lois Craig Cambridge, MA Design Educator, Writer Niels Diffrient Ridgefield, CT Industrial Designer Joan Goody Boston, MA Architect, Urban Designer Daniel Kiley Charlotte, VT Architect, Landscape Architect, Urban Designer Peter Masters Bethesda, MD Graphic Designer Mario Salvadori New York, NY Civil Engineer Barbara Stauffacher Solomon San Francisco, CA Architect, Landscape Architect, Artist Donald Stull Boston, MA Architect, Urban Designer Leila Vignelli New York, NY Architect, Interior Designer, Graphic/Industrial Designer 8 1988 Presidential Design Awards »£&> THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 9, 1988 It is a great pleasure to congratulate every recipient of the 1988 Presidential Awards for Design Excellence. We do well to honor and recognize meritorious examples of Federal design such as yours, because government's success depends on its performance and ability to inspire. Good design reveals our values and the importance we place on these projects, and your example will surely encourage others to emulate them. In the fields of architecture, interior and industrial design, landscape architecture and environmental planning, and visual communications, the Federal government currently is the largest single user of design services. The public trust requires that we use our resources prudently and well, striving for fine design that combines cost-effectiveness with problem -solving and beauty. Each of the 10 winning projects in this year's Presidential Design Awards is a model of leadership in these areas. I am happy to commend the devotion of each designer and the foresight of the Federal departments and agency administrators involved. You have set a positive example for both government and the private sector, and the American people are proud and grateful. God bless you, and God bless America. cr\K-*-J■■ ■ ■■ ■ Hk~ .Ml 1 ■■ ■■ COUNCIL FEDERAL INTERIOR DESIGNERS translated into improved design at the federal level, with better, more efficient interior spaces for government employees cre- ated at savings to the taxpayer. The Council of Federal Inte- rior Designers is run entirely by federal employees on their own time and at no cost to the government. It represents the efforts of federal employees tak- ing the initiative to improve their professional skills and fur- ther the cause of design excel- lence in the government. This is a strong and viable model for other federal workers who wish to implement positive change in their professions. Credits Office of Personnel Management. Washington. DC Council of Federal Interior Designers. Washington. DC 54 1988 Presidential Design Awards ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN COMMUTER COMPLEX REDUCES CONGESTION Alewife Station and Garage Cambridge, Massachusetts When pedestrian, car, bus, and rail commuters converge on one facility, chaos can easily result. The Alewife Station and Garage in Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, however, has man- aged to successfully accommodate large numbers of people in a manner that is safe, efficient, comfortable, and visu- ally engaging. A recent addi- tion to the expanded Metropolitan Bay Transporta- tion Authority's (MBTA) Red Line, the Alewife complex was designed to intercept the waves of commuters driving to downtown Boston and Cam- bridge before they added to the congestion of dense urban neighborhoods. The design challenge, however, was to convince commuters to park their cars and take public trans- portation. This was done by creating an efficient, accessible, and safe complex that enhances the commuter expe- rience by providing a visual experience as well. Under construction for nine years, the $84 million transfer complex contains loading plat- forms for six subway trains, parking for 2,000 automobiles, a 1 2-berth bus platform, a pas- senger drop-off area, bicycle and pedestrian access areas, and support services. Most traf- fic enters the complex via a roadway link directly con- nected to a nearby expressway. Large volumes of traffic are readily absorbed without con- gestion by two double helix entrance and exit ramps, while another internal ramp handles traffic entering from local streets. The subway is accessi- ble from within the building itself or through outside entrances. Apart from creating a com- plex that would ease com- muter congestion in the city, Alewife's designers sought to create an environment that would welcome its users. A glass skylight floods the inte- rior of the vast courtyard with light. Glass-enclosed escalators enable people to orient them- selves within the structure and capture views of the land- scaped exterior. Color-coded garage floors and their connect- ing escalators, elevators, and passageways establish clearly defined circulation paths and enhance the vibrancy of the visual environment. The Alewife complex is fur- ther distinguished by the inclu- sion of art. Working with the Cambridge Arts Council, designers included artworks as an integral aspect of the design, not merely added as an after- thought. The result is a rich fusion of art and architecture that enhances the enjoyment of the users as they pass through the complex. But the Alewife station is more than an attractive commuter depot: its design offers technical benefits as well. Energy costs have been reduced (the structure itself is unheated) by drawing off heat from the subway trains. The enclosed bus platform can be opened in warm weather to enhance cross-ventilation. By incorporating underground storage and a landscaped basin, the new construction protects the existing floodplain and improves water runoff in the surrounding area. Public response to the station has been extraordinary. An MBTA study determined that 54 percent of the Red Line ridership had access to cars but chose instead to ride the sub- way; ridership more than tri- pled in the first six months of operation. The absence of van- dalism, graffiti, or damage to the works of art further attests to the impact of the station's design and its effect on its users. Credits U.S. Department of Transportation, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Region 1 , Cambridge. MA Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA Ellenzweig Associates, Inc.. Cambridge, MA Sverdrup Corporation, Boston, MA LeMessurier Consultants, Cambridge. MA Mason & Frey. Belmont, MA Allan Davis Associates, Inc.. Norwalk, CT 5 5 1 988 Presidential Design Awards RECREATING A VICTORIAN ROOM Restoration of the Secretary of the Navy's Office Washington, DC Built between 1871 and 1888, what is now known as the Old Executive Office Building (OEOB) was originally con- structed to house the Depart- ments of State, War, and Navy. Located on Pennsylvania Ave- nue adjacent to the White House, it currently houses offices for the President and Vice President of the United States and their senior advi- sors. Once it was the home of some of the finest Victorian interiors in the city, but over time, renovations and adapta- tions resulted in the total loss of several significant rooms, as well as severe damage to the historical integrity of many oth- ers. One such "lost" room was the office of the Secretary of the Navy. In 1985 this room was renovated under the auspi- ces of the General Services Administration. The goal of the 18-month renovation was to integrate an authentic restoration of the room's interior with the func- tional requirements of a mod- ern office. Through extensive research, and the skills of trained craftsmen, the room was returned to its original dimensions and the magnifi- cence of its interior was brought back to life. It was because of close supervision, ingenuity, and a precisely delineated design methodol- ogy, however, that this office was authentically restored and is now fully functional. Prior to the development of contract specifications, researchers from the OEOB Preservation Office collected available documentation of the room's original size and appearance. Scientific tests were performed on the office walls, and the original painted decoration was found beneath 1 3 layers of paint. Chemical analysis of the original paint allowed for the successful res- toration, where possible, and recreation of the original color scheme. Intricately stenciled, hand-painted and gilded wall decorations were accurately replicated or restored. But all of this restoration had to be compatible with the dic- tates of a functioning, modern office. All wiring, plumbing, and utility shafts were replaced and upgraded, but installed to accommodate future additions or repairs; decorative surfaces were replicated on canvas rather than restored to facilitate access to mechanical and secu- rity systems; and electrical sockets and phone jacks were placed behind the original cast- iron baseboard, allowing for easy access and modification. The success of this project is due to both the extensive research by the OEOB Preser- vation Office, which ensured the restoration's historical accu- racy, and to GSA's intimate involvement with the project. Prior to construction, GSA con- tracted architects to devise pre- cise specifications and qualifications standards. This foresight and attention brought the complex decorative ele- ments in the room back to their original state and resulted in the restoration of one of Washington's most splendid federal interiors. Credits General Services Administration. National Capital Region. Washington. DC Executive Office of the President. Office of Historic Preservation. Washington, DC Kemnitzer. Reid &. Haffler. Architects. Washington. DC 56 1988 PkisiohNTiAi Design Awards ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN EVOKING CLASSICAL PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE U.S. Post Office Kings Mountain, North Carolina The U.S. Postal Service has a long tradition of public archi- tecture, often executed on a grand scale, that communicates ideals of service, reliability, and permanence. The designers of a new post office in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, were faced with a double chal- lenge: how to create a building that articulated the ideals of the Postal Service but did not exceed strict budgetary limitations. The building resulted from a practical design approach that divided the structure into three functional components. The section of the post office that handles the bulk of its opera- tions was conceived as a warehouse-like block to streamline the activities of postal employees who unload, sort, and process the mail. From the outside, this section appears highly utilitarian and expresses cost-conscious design to the public. This block also serves as the base from which the remaining two sections spring. The second section is com- prised of a raised plinth and glass enclosure that houses the area devoted to interaction with the public. The character of the interior is reminiscent of the grand scale of older federal buildings; its atmosphere is elo- quent but not rarified. The architecture here conveys the sense of importance attached to civic spaces. The third section consists of a free-standing col- onnade that runs parallel to the street. Apart from establishing a bold profile for the post office, the colonnade echoes forms used in traditional, classi- cally inspired federal architecture. The use of inexpensive industrial materials— glass, brick, and cement— made the construction process speedy and comparatively inexpen- sive. The extensive use of glass also exploited the benefits of passive solar heat and natural light, reducing electrical costs. The designers were able to bring function, utility, and grace to this civic building by being as pragmatic as they were inventive. This process was facilitated by designating a higher price per square foot for the public spaces than for the working areas. The project was completed on schedule for under $900,000. Credits U.S. Postal Service. Design and Construction Branch. Atlanta. GA The FWA Group. Charlotte, NC 57 1988 Presidential Design Awards MINI-VILLAGES FOR SENIORS Housing for the Elderly Upper Eastern Shore, Maryland Public-assistance housing projects pose a particularly dif- ficult design challenge: how to meet the needs of a specific group on a large scale, develop and maintain humane stan- dards, and not exceed limited funding parameters. A novel housing project for the elderly on Maryland's Eastern Shore has succeeded in providing '■■ i ■•! r - •[ • ■ • " - _._: III d \ SITE PLAN shelter without sacrificing the amenities to which its resi- dents were accustomed. The mission of the $4 mil- lion project was to develop and construct 132 rental units for the area's senior citizens most in need of affordable housing. Rather than create a massive complex, the planners and designers decided to scatter the units through six towns in five counties. By scattering the units in clusters that mimicked the neighborhoods in which the intended occupants previ- ously lived, they created a new "community" that engendered strong support from local resi- dents and reinforced the occu- pants' familial, social, and community ties. This scheme was made feasible by developing a modular construction system that allowed the same elements to be configured in different ways. Small, intimate villages are typically composed of 16- to 30-unit clusters oriented around a central "village green" The clusters themselves are made up of four-unit dwellings built on the scale of a regular house. These "houses" exhibit many features commonly associated with Eastern Shore architecture: brick masonry, horizontal siding, pitched roofs, and front porches. The use of a four-unit struc- ture as a standardized proto- type kept construction costs to a minimum; work crews quickly discovered the pitfalls in assembly; and various con- figurations were made possible by changing site relationships. As a result, sturdy, desirable, humane housing was created at an average cost of $30,846 per one-bedroom unit. The project's success can be mea- sured by the communities' response: before construction was completed, all units had been filled. Credits U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Baltimore Office. Baltimore. MD Roger K. Lewis. Washington. DC John W. Hill. Baltimore. MD 58 1988 Presidential Dhsicn Awards ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN DESIGNING FROM NATURE Mount St. Helens Visitor Center Castle Rock, Washington Mount St. Helens Visitor Cen- ter is but one part of a larger master development plan intended for the National Vol- canic Monument. Long before the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, representatives from the state and federal govern- ments, together with local gov- ernments and citizens, initiated an intensive analysis of the needs and requirements for such a facility. Their foresight proved to be timely, for after the eruption, Mount St. Helens became the focus of interna- tional interest and media attention. This well-planned visitors' center accommodates and edu- cates the increased number of visitors coming to Mount St. Helens. Situated on the shore of Silver Lake, the visitors' cen- ter affords a sweeping view of the volcano across the water. The center takes its design cues from its surroundings: the volcano itself, the pristine lake, and stands of centuries-old Douglas fir trees. The structure is reminiscent of a cathedral, with a steeply pitched glass roof supported on the interior by 1 2 massive western red cedar columns. The building is executed in what its designers term a "Cascadian" idiom, but it also echoes the style of other Forest Service buildings. This contextual, historic design theme is further expanded inside with details such as carvings that depict Northwest- ern landscape scenes and car- pentry that highlights the skill of local carpenters. The center also includes a theater with 1 6 projectors capable of accommodating a multi-media presentation and exhibits that recount the history of the area and the eruption. The combination of natural splendor and sensitive design has made the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area; during the first year in service, more than 500,000 visitors passed through its doors. At a cost of $5.5 million, the center has proven itself to be a thoughtful investment in the preservation and enjoyment of this splendid national park. Credits U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Region, Portland. OR U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Vancouver. WA SRG Partnership, Portland. OR Henry Klein Partnership. Mt. Vernon, WA Edelman and Associates. Portland. OR )oe Valasek, Newberg, OR 59 1 988 Presidential Design Awards AMERICA ABROAD: TWO DISTINGUISHED EMBASSIES U.S. Department of State Apart from housing our nation's diplomatic representa- tives overseas, embassies also serve as tangible symbols of America's interests in foreign countries. Recognizing the importance of projecting a posi- tive presence in other coun- tries, the Office of Foreign Buildings Operations (FBO) of the U.S. Department of State (the agency responsible for overseeing the design and con- struction of all diplomatic facili- ties) developed guidelines that integrate security requirements and sound principles of archi- tectural design. The result is the construction of diplomatic buildings that guarantee the safety of their workers while expressing through their design the principles of a free society. Two U.S. embassies recently erected in Asia suc- cessfully embody the spirit of the FBO's design criteria and ensure the safety and security of those who work and live there. U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The design of the new U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, demonstrates the successful integration of appearance, purpose, and appropriateness. A building of this type must be secure; it must be defensible against attack, protect its contents and the activities that take place within, and safeguard those who work there. But addition- ally, in keeping with FBO guidelines, the new building's design had to be of a high cali- ber in its own right, as well as sympathetic to the local archi- tecture. Stylistically, these requirements were met by tak- ing design clues from indige- nous Malaysian architecture and from colonial structures built during the 1920s and 1930s. The embassy was con- structed from a poured con- crete frame with solid masonry walls, steel-framed floor-to- ceiling windows, and concrete railings. While these materials meet security concerns, the windows and verandas impart a sense of lightness to the structure and open up its inte- rior spaces. The integration of overhanging roofs and an east- west orientation (to exploit the prevailing winds) are practical amenities that have reduced the drain on the embassy's cooling system. Since a local contractor was used to build the compound, every effort was made to incorporate tradi- tional materials into the design, thereby reducing construction costs and ensuring that the experience of the contractor was used to the fullest extent. The main compound, con- sisting of embassy offices and the U.S. Information Service, shares a mutual foundation that contains parking spaces, ware- houses, and support services. By staggering the elements within the 100,000-square-foot compound, a more hospitable scale was achieved. The new embassy has been well received both by embassy staff and by local authorities and citizens. At the dedication, a Malaysian advocate for his- toric preservation suggested that the new embassy be declared a historic monument, proving that thoughtful design can not only meet practical considerations but can also be a diplomatic tool. The $8 mil- lion project, including furnish- ings and interior design, was completed on schedule in 1983 with sufficient funds remaining to build a Marine Guard Quarters and convert an adjacent house into a recrea- tional facility. Credits U.S. Department of State. Office of Foreign Buildings Operations. Washington. DC Hartman-Cox Architects. Washington, DC James Madison Cutts Associates. Washington. DC Vincent Lee-Thorp Consulting Engineers, McLean. VA 60 1988 Pkisidiniiai Design Awards ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN U.S. Embassy Colombo, Sri Lanka As with the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur, a new embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, com- bines practical necessity with design excellence. In both cases, the mandate was similar: to design and construct an embassy compound that was secure, expressive of U.S. dig- nity and strength, and appro- priate for its location. In Colombo, extra consider- ation was given to the habits and opinions of local Sri Lankans. The building site overlooked the Indian Ocean, an important element in the country's economic and cul- tural life. Bearing this in mind, the architect sited the building so that it was perpendicular to the sea, mitigating any obstruc- tion of the view. The character of the building reflects the tradi- tion of indigenous architecture while harmonizing with the neighboring British High Commission. The use of such traditional materials as granite, Burma teak, and locally made roofing tiles reduced costs and helped to integrate the structure with existing buildings. Protective grilles were designed to resem- ble Indian decorative patterns, thereby minimizing their intru- sion as security features. Deeply set, oversized win- dows, a steeply pitched roof, and overhanging eaves reduce the sun's glare and shed the monsoon rains while adding visual distinction to the build- ing as a symbol of the U.S. pres- ence in Sri Lanka. Completed in 1984 for $7 million, the embassy in Colombo, like the one in Kuala Lumpur, unifies security con- cerns and elegance of form with a sensitive respect for its location. mrn^- Credits U.S. Department of State. Office of Foreign Buildings Operations. Washington. DC Victor A. Lundy. Houston. TX 6 I 1 988 Presidential Design Awards MORALE-BUILDING FACILITY Recreational Center Karlsruhe, West Germany VISITOR CENTER FITS THE LANDSCAPE Bear Valley Visitor Center Point Reyes, California Housing 18 bowling lanes, spectator areas, and food ser- vice facilities, this recreational center for U.S. personnel is notable for its popularity, its practical approach to design, and its creative play on the sur- rounding environment. Since its opening, the center has drawn bowlers and visitors from all over central Germany. The result of collaboration among Army engineers and local architects, planners, and contractors, the $2.9 million building exhibits an interesting form. With its four exterior walls sloping up to a flat roof, the center resembles a trun cated pyramid. Walls are cov- ered with standing-seam aluminum, which casts a play- ful rhythm of light and shadow across the facade, imitating the surrounding jagged hills, and reflecting the changing sky. The building's mass is punctu- ated only by a glass-enclosed entrance, windows, and a glass atrium that houses the restaurant. Consideration given to details is everywhere apparent in the facility. The aluminum cladding used to cover the facil- ity was cost-effective to pur- chase and install. Throughout the facility, double-glazed insu- lating glass was used to reduce heating and ventilation costs year-round. Two man-made, earthen hills along the sides of the building help absorb the sounds from inside and serve to further insulate the building. The area surrounding the cen- ter has been carefully land- scaped for recreational use. A small pond, picnic areas, and a grass-covered earthen pyramid encourage the center's use by families and visitors. Beyond the landscaped perimeter, the land has been left in its natural wooded state, and is ideal for short hikes and nature walks. The Army's inclusion of local architects and planners in the development of the project helped to ensure that the final design would be accepted and appreciated by the local popu- lation. U.S. military personnel and their families have responded enthusiastically to the recreational center, and it has become an important, morale-boosting social center. The success of the project was further demonstrated by its selection as the site for the 1988 Youth World Games bowling competition. Credits U.S. Department of the Army, Engineer Division, Europe, Frankfurt, West Germany Staatliches Hochbauamt II, Karlsruhe, West Germany Dipl-lng Rainer Disse — Freier, Karlsruhe, West Germany The Point Reyes National Sea- shore was founded in 1962. Every year since then, atten- dance at this national park has increased, with 2.1 million vis- itors now passing through annually. It had long been a priority to construct a visitors' reception and educational cen- ter for the park, but federal funding was unavailable. Responding to this need, the Coastal Parks Association, a non-profit promotional organi- zation for interpretive and edu- cational activities, initiated a funding drive that eventually basic functions were other important considerations such as the center's relation to the surrounding natural environ- ment, the incorporation of pas- sive and non-polluting energy conservation techniques, and full handicapped access. Apart from the pleasant atmosphere of the interior, the center is a valuable resource for information about natural life in the coastal environment. Exhibits with maps, informa- tion, photographs, and diora- mas are presented regularly. The center also houses a raised $ 1 .4 million for the con- struction of the Bear Valley Visitor Center. Working together, the National Park Service and the Coastal Parks Association coor- dinated the efforts of over 30 different organizations, includ- ing conservation groups, busi- ness groups, local chambers of commerce, and advisory com- missions. From the beginning of the design process, public input was regularly solicited at many public meetings and design-concept presentations. This extensive public dialogue was crucial in tailoring the design of the center to provide both basic and expanded visitor services. The center was designed pri- marily as a clearinghouse and educational resource for the park's visitors. Added to these research library to accommo- date more serious inquiries into the region. Although this center was made possible entirely through private dona- tions, the collaborative nature of the project and the contin- ued involvement of the Park Service throughout the design process and construction resulted in a facility whose content and services are on a par with the excellence exhib- ited by its design. The center is currently used by more than 300,000 visitors annually. Credits U.S. Department of the Interior. National Park Service, Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes, CA Bull Volkman Stockwell. San Francisco, CA Daniel Quan Design, San Francisco. CA 62 1988 Pkjsidiniiai Dish, n Awards ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN ENERGY STRATEGIES FOR AFRICA Technology Center Gaborone, Republic of Botswana RENOVATION PROVIDES HOUSING Fifth Street Renovation Santa Monica, California The Botswana Technology Center is seemingly a paradox. Its design incorporates sophisti- cated alternative heating and cooling systems, but its siting, plan, and profile reflect the indigenous village architecture of its surroundings. The cen- ter's purpose was to demon- strate the architectural applications of energy strate- gies that eliminate the need for fossil-fuel heating and cooling in small office buildings. The design of this prototypical structure responded to infor- mation collected by the U.S. Agency for International Devel- opment that showed that high fuel costs and limited energy resources were a hindrance to economic growth in Africa. Techniques employed in the construction of the Center demonstrate that the use of alternative energy sources is both effective and cost- efficient. The center, which includes a library, administra- tion building, workshop, and demonstration area, is cooled and heated largely through a passive solar system, thereby taking advantage of one of Afri- ca's most abundant resources. Shaded porches, operable clerestory windows, indoor pools, and ceiling fans augment the efficiency of the system while remaining firmly within the character of the local architecture. The success of this building's design was fostered by an on- going dialogue among its users, architects, contractors, and engineers, a process which ensured a result that would not only succeed technically but also aesthetically. The build- ing's total thermal load was reduced by 70 percent; it uses no fossil fuel except that required for cooking. At a total cost of $ 1 50,000, the Botswana Technology Center demonstrates the benefits of passive and renewable energy systems while conveying the presence of the United States as benefi- cial and sensitive to local con- cerns. Credits U.S. Agency for International Development. Gaborone, Republic of Botswana Associates in Rural Development. Inc., Burlington, VT Davidson Norris. New York, NY TEA Inc., Harrisville. NH Affordable, subsidized rental housing is needed all over the country but in many cases is cost-prohibitive. A modest ren- ovation project in Santa Monica, California, demon- strates the fiscal viability of rehabilitating existing struc- tures and converting them into quality residential units for low-income families. In Santa Monica's Ocean Park neighbor- hood, a turn-of-the-century parts of the original structure. Expediency and cost-saving measures were consistently balanced with architectural considerations. Despite the damage to the structure, the exterior of the building was restored to its original condi- tion. Restoration of the interior was not feasible for multi- residential use, but a sophisti- cated adaptation successfully re-utilized the building. building stood abandoned and severely damaged by fire and neglect. Collaboration among a local non-profit development corpo- ration, an architect, a bank, and the federal government was instrumental in effecting the change from ruin to residence. Federal support for this project came from the Department of Housing and Urban Develop- ment's Rental Rehabilitation Program. A local bank re- financed the property through a construction loan made possi- ble by long-term, tax-exempt financing, and pre-develop- ment costs were borne by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a philanthropic development corporation with experience in renovating dete- riorated housing. During the design process, care was taken to assess the viability of saving or restoring The renovation created six desirable units. To provide rent subsidies, proceeds from the rental of one unit at the market rate of $ 1 ,400 per month were applied to the remaining five apartments. This low-income housing project demonstrates that effective planning and design can create cost-effective housing equal in quality to rental housing on the open market. The total cost of pur- chasing and renovating the property was $421,000; in 1987 it was appraised at $500,000. Credits U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Community Planning Division, Los Angeles, CA Community Corporation of Santa Monica, Santa Monica. CA Mario Fonda-Bonardi, Santa Monica. CA 63 1988 Presidential Design Awards BALLROOM TO COURTROOM U.S. Court of Appeals/Federal Building Pasadena, California PARKING GARAGES IN DISGUISE Waterfront Garages Charleston, South Carolina By 1980, the Vista del Arroyo Hotel in Pasadena, California, a grand luxury hotel dating from the 1930s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, had seen better days. Additions made in the 1940s had diluted the power and unity of its architecture. Add- ing insult to injury, the building had been abandoned in 1975 and stood vacant for more than five years. Now, however, thanks to a sensitive and practi- cal restoration, the old hotel houses the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District and other federal offices. The difficulties attendant to successful restoration were, in this case, significant. The build- ing, through modification and disrepair, had lost much of its structural and architectural integrity. The original architec- tural elements of the building needed to be restored to their original condition, but signifi- cant improvements to the infra- structure were also necessary to adapt the building to its new use. The existing infrastructure was improved with reinforced con- crete shear walls from the base- ment to the rafters, upgrading its structural capacity to meet contemporary seismic regulations. The exterior was restored to its original appearance as well, with new stucco, paint, and a landscape plan reminiscent of the original complex. The success of this building's restoration owes much to the involvement of the Ninth Circuit Court judges, whose approval of each stage of the design process was a contractual obligation, and to several Pasadena historic pres- ervation organizations whose approval was wisely solicited early in the design process. The project cost $8.2 million and was completed on sched- ule, despite the fact that a large wooden section of the building burned down during the four- year construction process. Credits General Services Administration, Region 9, San Francisco. CA Neptune and Thomas Associates. Pasadena, CA Archer-Spencer Engineering Associates, San Francisco, CA Befu-Donan &. Associates. Pasadena, CA With some $87 million in pub- lic and private investment hanging in the balance, Charleston, South Carolina, required some 1,000 additional parking spaces to accommo- date the expected increase in commercial activity in its downtown historic district. Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr., and local preservation groups were adamant that parking facilities not detract from the charming ambiance and historic integrity of the downtown area. An ingeniously simple, yet thor- oughly developed, architec- tural program enabled the garages to be built without adversely affecting the fabric of the historic neighborhood. Rather than construct con- ventional parking structures, the designers disguised the garage exteriors by applying an architectural skin in harmony with the surrounding build- ings. Interiors consisting of the access ramps and the spaces themselves are concealed from the outside by wide columns and pre-cast spandrels covered with a light coat of stucco, a material used on the facades of many historic buildings nearby. Between the columns, a sys- tem of louvers, set behind white pre-cast panels and trim, conceals the bumpers and head- lights of the cars parked inside. From the street, the building is unobtrusive and in sympathy with the neighborhood. While maintaining an archi- tectural style appropriate to this historic district, the two garage facilities also proved to be economical. Building mate- rials were relatively inexpen- sive, readily available, and familiar to the local contractors. The project was supported by a HUD Urban Development Action Grant that was part of a larger plan to revitalize Charleston's downtown, but the rigorous adherence to design standards enabled the project to be both financially successful and popular locally. The project was completed for $5.7 million— 23 percent less than the final design estimate. Credits U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Planning Division, Columbia, SC City of Charleston. Charleston. SC Sasaki Associates. Inc.. Watertown, MA Mitchell. Small. Donohue and Logan, Charleston, SC LeMessurier Consultants, Cambridge, MA 64 1 988 Presidential Design Awari s LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING We at the Department of the Interior have a special awareness of the major role that public design plays in the day-to-day lives of all Americans. High quality design is essential in our mission of providing information and services to people — to all people. We as a nation must continue to strive for high quality design that enhances our way of life, and public design should set the standard for our national design ethic. Design is of high quality when it equitably serves all members of our society, recognizes and protects our rich cultural heritage, and is in harmony with our superlative national landscape. Manuel Lujan, Jr. Secretary U.S Department of the Interior NATIONAL CEMETERY PROTOTYPE Fort Custer National Cemetery Fort Custer, Michigan There are over 1 00 national cemeteries overseen by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the federal agency charged with providing burial benefits and interment facilities for American veterans. A new vet- erans' cemetery in Fort Custer, Michigan, departs radically in its organization and design approach from the traditional, formal grid pattern typical of national cemeteries, such as Arlington National Cemetery. While maintaining an appro- priate character of quiet dignity and formal reserve, the Fort Custer cemetery, situated in the rural landscape of southern Michigan, was designed to exist in close harmony with the surrounding countryside. Wooded lanes connecting the site's facilities pass through an impressive landscape that includes pine stands, wetlands, marshes, and gently rolling hills. The interment facilities are surrounded by a natural environment that lends an atmosphere of serenity and reflection to the 740-acre site. This new approach to national cemetery design resulted not only from local veterans' participation but also from budgetary strictures and maintenance concerns. The resulting design of Fort Custer addresses all of these concerns in an elegantly unified solu- tion. The grounds provide vet- erans and their families a beautiful, natural setting that duly honors their sacrifices. By choosing to enhance and exploit the rural nature of the location, designers kept restora- tion and development costs to a minimum, and maintenance costs of a large-scale, mani- cured landscape are avoided. From the outset, the Fort Custer National Cemetery, which serves six midwestern states, was envisioned not only as a memorial but also as a national, regional, and local resource. By expanding the concept of the cemetery to include the ideas of a natural resource and park, Fort Custer underscores the values of honor, permanence, and recog- nition for those who are interred there. The initial phase of the Fort Custer National Cemetery project was completed in 1 985 at a cost of $2 million and cur- rently provides 20,000 burial sites. When completed, the facility will accommodate 84,000 grave sites. Credits U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Facilities, Washington, DC Johnson. Johnson & Roy. Ann Arbor, Ml 66 1°88 Presidential Design Awards LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING PUBLIC ART FOR TRANSIT SITES Arts on the Line Program Urban Mass Transportation Administration Begun in 1 978, Arts on the Line has evolved into a national model for commission- ing permanent artworks for transit sites. Boston was one of three cities to receive Depart- ment of Transportation funding under the new Design, Art, and Architecture Program. Using those initial funds as an impetus for further develop- ment, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Cambridge Arts Council created Arts on the Line to facilitate the inte- gration of art in public transit facilities. The pilot program for Arts on the Line, completed in 1985, was the commissioning and installation of 20 site-specific works of art in four new sub- way stations on Boston's Red Line Northwest extension, cre- ating the largest art collection in a transportation setting in the United States. Arts on the Line formulated a democratic procedure for the selection of art and artists. Art committees composed of representatives from the residential and busi- ness community in the area, station architects and design- ers, and officials of the MBTA, City of Cambridge Develop- ment Department, and Histori- cal Commission were formed for each station, ensuring that the art selected met the spe- cific needs of each station. Selection criteria included aes- thetics, safety considerations, lasting artistic value, and main- tenance requirements. An open call for entries resulted in a slide registry representing more than 650 artists from across the country. By adopting the Cambridge Arts Council's democratic artist-selection procedure, Arts on the Line created an innova- tive design-selection process that considered how commis- sioned works would relate to one another and to the archi- tecture, and which works were of sufficient aesthetic vitality and durability to remain for decades to come. The process of developing Arts on the Line was recorded in Arts on the Line— A Public Art Handbook and in an award- winning documentary film. These materials have become the primary reference for any municipality considering the development of an art-in-transit program. Arts on the Line stands out as an innovative program that has demonstrated the viability of public art in a commuter setting and serves as a model for the burgeoning field of public art. Credits U.S. Department of Transportation, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Region I, Cambridge, MA Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA Cambridge Arts Council, Cambridge, MA 67 1988 Presidential Design Awards CONTROLLING EROSION IN A WILDLIFE REFUGE Eagles Roost Area Bank Stabilization Missouri River, South Dakota REBUILDING A POPULAR RECREATION SITE Buffalo Point Campground Buffalo National River, Harrison, Arkansas In 1974 the federal govern- ment obtained 780 acres of wooded land along the Mis- souri River with privately donated funds. The land, known as the Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, was used by bald eagles as a winter nesting area. Soil erosion anal- ysis along the riverbank indi- cated that a loss of trees would result by the end of the cen- tury if conditions were left unchanged, thereby endanger- ing the eagles' winter habitat. Erosion would have to be checked without destroying access to the riverbank, endan- gering trees, or further affect- ing the environment. The conventional approach to erosion prevention- installation of massive stone retaining walls known as rip- rap along the upper part of the riverbank— would have intruded on the natural envi- ronment, however, and destroyed much of the upper river bank. A sensitive design approach was therefore required, and the Army Corps of Engineers responded. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Corps undertook a two-year stabiliza- tion project in 1982 during which a series of low-level retaining walls (revetments) was constructed near the waterline on the right bank of the river. By using a number of revetments with spaces between each, engineers held the cost of the project and the number of trees removed to a minimum. By submerging the revetments, they preserved valuable upper bank environ- ments. This procedure improved the visual quality of the bank and saved the river- side trees for bald eagle nest- ing. Since their installation, the revetments have been over- grown by natural vegetation that disguises the crucial func- tion they perform in protecting the riverbank. Credits U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, Omaha, NE U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Missouri River District, Omaha, NE Public campgrounds often exhibit the measure of their popularity in a state of physical degradation, the natural result of frequent, rigorous use. Such was the case with the Buffalo Point Campground, a popular state park, when it was incor- porated into the Buffalo River National River preserve. The National Park Service had inherited a deteriorating facility whose condition was aggra- vated by over-use of individual camp sites and the increasing use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs). Steep grades in the area became washed-out roads, many sites were stripped of all grass, and soil erosion and compaction created unsafe con- ditions for ATVs as well as campers. Comfort stations were difficult to reach and access to them was all but impossible for handicapped patrons. effective design that addressed them. The new design used local materials to re-grade the road and make it less vulnerable to deterioration. Four loop roads connecting 83 campsites were strengthened with engineering fabric and a gravel base course to enhance drainage of periodic inundation and wet springs. Individual campsites were enclosed by low, dry-laid stone retaining walls that limited the impact on existing vegetation, made the sites relatively level, and enhanced the sense of pri- vacy for each campsite. Site amenities such as benches and comfort stations were executed in natural wood, and bollards, gates, and fences were built in heavy timber. The $2 million renovation has greatly enhanced the appearance, utility, and accessi- bility of the campsite and has Today, however, the Buffalo Point Campground is a well- maintained, accessible recrea- tion site that is as popular with tent campers as it is with ATV enthusiasts. This transforma- tion was achieved through a careful analysis of the problems particular to the site and the implementation of a simple, led to an 80 percent reduction in maintenance costs and util- ity downtime. Credit U.S. Department of the Interior. National Park Service, Denver Service Center, Denver. CO 68 1 988 Presidential Design Awards LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, URBAN DESIGN AND PLANNING SAVING THE BEST VIEWS Visual Prioritization Process General Hitchcock Highway, Tucson, Arizona Surrounded by spectacular scenery, the General Hitchcock Highway in Tucson, Arizona, was viewed as much as a local natural resource as a means of traversing the Catalina Moun- tains. When a proposal arose to widen the 25-mile highway, concerns were naturally raised over the impact any expansion might have on the visual integ- rity of the site. This concern was heightened because of minimal resources allotted to the project for preserving the natural environment. In response to the proposed expansion, landscape architects at the Coronado National For- est developed the Visual Prioritization Process (VPP), an inventory and analysis method- ology that provided a quantifi- able means of determining where limited funds could be best spent to mitigate intrusion upon the natural scenery. The VPP results in a map of the area for which new construc- tion is slated, establishing "Visual Priority Levels" (VPLs) that indicate the visual sensitiv- ity to the observer. Mitigation measures are then enacted according to an area's VPL; thus, a site with a high VPL would receive more attention and more resources than one with a low VPL. Five visual criteria were used to identify and rate Visual Pri- ority Levels: the distance from the viewer, the angle of view, the duration of the view, the scale of the construction area (cut or fill), and whether the new cut or fill would be seen in silhouette. The scenery along the General Hitchcock Highway is characterized by steep mountainous terrain, rough canyons, and panoramic ridge and valley views. The Environmental Assessment of the area established that pres- ervation of these scenic resources was among the pub- lic's major concerns. The VPP builds upon the For- est Service's own Visual Man- agement System, a large-scale visual inventory and manage- ment process that has been used extensively for the past 1 5 years. The creation of the Visual Prioritization Process allowed the entire project to remain within "retention," the Forest Service's most stringent visual management objective. An innovative and successful tool, the Visual Prioritization Process provides a rational, quantifiable means of identify- ing priorities and goals and then translates these into fixed dollar amounts. It acknowl- edges that a range of priorities— even those which seemingly conflict— can exist simultaneously within a given project. In the case of the Gen- eral Hitchcock Highway, the process allowed for the preser- vation of priority areas and the expansion of the highway. Although federal highway engineers who worked on the project were initially con- cerned about the costs incurred by visual mitigation procedures, ultimately they were comfortable working under the VPP guidelines because they were specific, quantifiable, and could be directly translated into actual costs, economic and environ- mental. Credit U.S. Department of Agriculture. Forest Service, Coronado National Forest. Tucson, AZ 69 1 988 Presidential Design Awards STATE ENCOURAGES DESIGN AWARENESS Design and Development Program National Endowment for the Arts LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROVIDES SECURITY Patch Barracks Stuttgart, West Germany Well-designed buildings pro- vide tangible benefits to the communities in which they are located. But when processes that encourage good design are integrated into the allocation and distribution of funds for these buildings, the benefits are multiplied immeasurably and perpetuated. The Massa- chusetts Council on the Arts sought to implement a proce- dural means to encourage good design throughout the state and, with the encouragement and financial support of the Design Arts Program of the National Endowment for the Arts, established its own Design and Development Pro- gram in 1984. Working closely with other state agencies, the Design and Development Program has developed a partnership that encompasses state government and local municipalities, serv- ing as a model for design activ- ism. Through its efforts to establish specific design poli- cies and procedures to be adopted by other state agen- cies, the Design and Develop- ment Program has the potential to influence the $2.2 billion that is authorized annually by the Commonwealth's develop- ment and finance agencies. The positive effects of the Design and Development Pro- gram are being felt throughout Massachusetts. Aesthetic con- siderations have been incorpo- rated into the state's bridge manual for the first time. A Community Design Assistance Program has assisted nine cities and towns throughout the state engaged in the revitalization of business districts. The Rural Design Assistance Program helps small towns to guide development and conserve their rural character. A design workshop for state agency directors has given these offi- cials the chance to learn more about design and to discuss the creation of design policies that could be adopted by their boards. And the Massachusetts Council on the Arts established the Governor's Design Awards Program to recognize and encourage excellence in design throughout the Common- wealth and heighten the state- wide awareness of the contribution that design makes to daily life. Although these are all wor- thy examples of the effective- ness of the Design and Development Program, its true contribution will be the lasting impact that the incorporation of good design practices, both practical and bureaucratic, will have on the quality of life in Massachusetts. Credits National Endowment for the Arts, Design Arts Program, Washington, DC Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, Boston, MA Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Works, Boston, MA Security and defense consider- ations often mean effective but unappealing design results. A project designed to upgrade security at the Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, West Germany, however, proves that well- designed security measures can be both cost-effective and visually unobtrusive. In response to numerous terrorist attacks on U.S. personnel sta- tioned abroad, it was deter- mined that this barracks— the headquarters of U.S. European Command— needed additional security to thwart hostile attacks. While the primary concern was to ensure the safety of Patch Barracks' staff, the design solution also had to enhance the presence and international stature of the U.S. European Command in the host country. Instead of turning the barracks compound into a menacing for- tification, a system of barriers and impediments was devel- oped that achieved the neces- sary increase in security and ultimately improved the visual qualities of the compound. The central street near the headquarters was made into a pedestrian mall with discreet barriers preventing motorized access except through two eas- ily regulated control gates. The approach to the barracks was redesigned to prevent direct, frontal access to the compound and to accommodate a multiple lane control capability, alleviat- ing previous traffic congestion. Protecting the front guard- house is an array of curved, reinforced concrete barriers that are visually interesting. Their sober mission is softened by plantings of flowers, shrubs, and small trees that give them a human scale and blend them into the existing landscape. Innovative use of mate- rials allowed the improvements to be both effective and eco- nomical: the total cost was $300,000 less than the $1 mil- lion originally allotted for the project. Credits U.S. Department of the Army, Engineer Division, Europe, Frankfurt, West Germany Brenner and Partners. Stuttgart, West Germany Max Jordan Bauunternehmung, Frankfurt, West Germany 70 1988 Presidential Design Awards ENGINEERING . . . Nowhere is good design more important than in transportation. When it comes to introducing aesthetic concerns into the complex process of creating and operating transportation facilities, the task is not always easy. Aesthetics is more than looks. Aesthetics includes enjoyment and stimulation and, in the case of transportation, the assurance of safety. Whether it's a historic train station or a modern airport or a spectacular bridge proving a link in our highway system, we will strive to keep quality design a high priority in transportation. Samuel K. Skinner Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation WORLD'S LARGEST SUBMERGED TUBE TUNNEL Fort McHenry Tunnel Baltimore, Maryland The Fort McHenry Tunnel is a remarkable achievement on several counts: it is the world's largest submerged tube tunnel designed for vehicular traffic; its construction allowed for the preservation of the surround- ing natural environment; and it spawned development that cre- ated some 1 4,000 jobs state- wide. A $750 million project, it was completed within the allotted time and well under cost projections, which ran as high as $ 1 billion. Such an achievement, both in engineer- ing and management, was made possible by close collabo- ration among planners, engi- neers, contractors, laborers, and a myriad of city, state, and federal officials throughout all phases of the design and con- struction process. The Fort McHenry Tunnel was designed to be the final link in 1-95, the East Coast's most important interstate sys- tem. Original plans had called for an eight-lane bridge span- ning the Baltimore Harbor, but this proposal was determined to be undesirable due to adverse environmental impact on adjacent areas, which include historic Fort McHenry and the residential community of Locust Point. The decision to construct a tunnel evolved out of numerous public hearings and local meetings. The realiza- tion of this solution entailed a complex engineering feat on a scale never previously under- taken by the National Interstate and Defense Highway System. The tunnel's alignment around Fort McHenry and below the shipping channels required the design of the world's first tunnel sections with both vertical and horizon- tal curvature. This alignment was instrumental in preserving the Locust Point peninsula. The environmental impact of the tunnel was further reduced by designing the ventilation building with an inconspicuous silhouette screened by plants and trees. The 3.5 million cubic yards of material dredged from the harbor during the tunnel's construction were put to creative use: 1 36 useable acres created from treated slurry will provide the site of a three-berth marine terminal and storage facility capable of handling 2.5 million tons of cargo annually. The lessons to be learned from the success of the Fort McHenry Tunnel are found in efficient planning, effective implementation, and close monitoring of all stages of both design and construction. More than 25 design reports were produced to help resolve engi- neering and construction prob- lems before they occurred, saving time and expense. Wage stabilization agreements between the Interstate Divi- sion for Baltimore County and the affiliated local union were struck prior to construction and were instrumental in keep- ing the project on schedule and under budget. Although 1 08 acres of land had to be purchased to enable the con- struction, no residential prop- erty was affected. Since its opening in Novem- ber 1 985, the Fort McHenry Tunnel has maintained an aver- age daily traffic flow of 85,000 vehicles (40,000 more than projected). The previous four- to-five-mile back-ups of idling cars and trucks have been eliminated and travel distance along the 1-95 corridor through Baltimore has been shortened by nine miles per vehicle. Credits U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Baltimore. MD City of Baltimore. Department of Transportation, Baltimore. MD Rummel. Klepper and Kahl, Baltimore. MD 72 1988 Presidential Design Awards ENGINEERING DESIGN INNOVATIONS FOR MINE SAFETY Bureau of Mines Lake Lynn Laboratory Fairchance, Pennsylvania The Lake Lynn Laboratory facility, completed in 1981, has provided the Bureau of Mines with an invaluable capability: to replicate and analyze fires and explosions in a simulated mine environment. This new underground complex is a state-of-the-art testing facility that can duplicate real-world mine conditions in a network of tunnels. The $10 million invested has yielded an unparalleled explosion research center that has now been in use for more than eight years. The laboratory's innovative design is the result of two fea- tures: a 7,500-foot network of tunnels, and two movable, explosion-proof bulkheads. By selectively positioning and opening and closing the bulk- heads in the tunnels, investiga- tors can imitate five different mine configurations and study almost every conceivable mine hazard in a controlled setting. Apart from saving thousands of dollars in experiment set-up costs, the experiments con- ducted at Lynn Lake have translated into a better under- standing of mine explosions and improved safety conditions throughout the nation's mines. Credits U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA Green International, Sewickley, PA Mine Roof Simulator Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Developed to duplicate the complex pattern of stresses to which mine roof rib supports are subjected, the Mine Roof Simulator has proven to be a life-saving diagnostic tool. Roof collapse is the leading cause of death among miners, and con- trol of this ever-present danger is one of the most expensive engineering problems in mining operations. This computer-controlled simulator provides engineers with information about the behavior of mine supports and structural elements under stress. The simulator is cur- rently used to test new and existing support structures. Engineering advances gener- ated by the data collected here are expected to result in safer, more economical support sys- tems. While promoting safety is the primary objective of the simulator, it may also contrib- ute to making U.S-mined resources more competitive on the world market by helping to create new systems and techniques. Throughout the design and construction process, data were solicited from mining person- nel, government researchers, and engineers, ensuring that the $10 million invested in this project would yield life- saving information in the short run, and innovations with industry-wide implications for the future. Credits U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh Research Center, Pittsburgh, PA U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines, Twin Cities Research Center, Minneapolis, MN MTS Systems. Minneapolis. MN 7 3 1 988 Presidential Design Awards INTERACTIVE SIGNS REDUCE ACCIDENTS Enriched Information Signage Chicago, Illinois SCRAP PRODUCTS FUEL STEAM PLANT Red River Army Depot Steam Plant Texarkana, Texas As traffic volume steadily increases, so does the number of Americans killed or injured on the nation's roadways- more than three million inju- ries annually. A new interactive signage system, however, has demonstrated that it can substantially improve safety by clearly and quickly providing drivers with information that prevents acci- dents from occurring. The Enriched Information Signage project has avoided the pitfalls associated with other approaches to highway signage, such as flashing mes- sage signs which are plagued by poor visibility, mechanical malfunction, lack of clarity and consistency, and costly mainte- nance. The signs are placed at intervals preceding known areas of traffic congestion or ramps and corners obscured from view. By superimposing lighted symbols on standard sign faces, the "activated" signs are instantly, intuitively under- stood. Lighted dots reveal the location of traffic ahead, provid- ing the driver with ample time to adjust speed and direction. Single or multiple installa- tions of these signs are a signifi- cant and cost-effective improvement over existing painted signage. These new signs take literacy and language familiarity into consideration and are also reassuring to inex- perienced or elderly motorists. Their simple, direct graphics are readily understood and their content can be processed quickly. Where they have been installed, these signs have reduced accident rates and have made traffic flow more smoothly, safely, and efficiently Credits U. S. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration. Traffic Control Systems Division, Washington, DC City of Chicago, Department of Public Works, Chicago, IL Robert M. Wulkowicz. Chicago, IL Necessity, when combined with prudent design, can be the most successful mother of invention. The Red River Army Depot needed a replace- ment steam plant facility that did not rely on petroleum or natural gas as an energy source. After analyzing the functions of the depot and the requirements of the steam plant, engineers determined that the by-products of one could fill the needs of the other. The Red River Depot gener- ates a large volume of paper and wood products that was previously deposited in a land- fill. Designed to burn low-cost coal or the depot's scrap prod- ucts in any combination, the new plant is cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environ- mentally sound; most impor- tantly, it does not require a landfill. The benefits of this project have been significant. The new steam plant saved 398 million cubic feet of natural gas in its first year (a savings of over $ 1 million), reduced the depot's annual energy consumption by 19 percent, and generated an additional 54 billion BTUs per year from burning scrap. Twelve million gallons of water are saved annually, and 3,000 tons of scrap wood are now burned instead of buried. The plant's emissions meet clean air standards, and landfill prob- lems have been eliminated. The project was designed and constructed in eight years and was completed for $1.3 million under budget. Credits U.S. Department of the Army. Corps of Engineers. Fort Worth District. Fort Worth. TX Pope Engineers. New York, NY Richard Stine. Atlanta. GA 74 1988 Presidential Design Awards ENGINEERING FIRST "ROLLCRETE" DAM Willow Creek Dam Heppner, Oregon INTERAGENCY FORUM SHAPES DESIGN POLICIES Federal Construction Council Washington, DC Completed in 1983, the Wil- low Creek Dam has made sig- nificant contributions to dam construction. The first concrete gravity dam to be fabricated entirely from roller-compacted concrete ("rollcrete"), its inno- vative design exploited the properties of rollcrete, resulting in a structure that was not only cheaper to construct but also stronger. One design innovation was the configuration of pre-cast concrete panels that line the inside face of the dam; the new arrangement required thinner and fewer panels, saving an estimated $665,000. The sec- ond, more critical innovation, was the decision to use rollcrete. At about $45 per cubic yard cheaper than con- ventional cement (because of a higher content of gravel fill), this material presented an out- standing value for the 400,000 cubic yards of cement that went into the construction of the dam. When cured, rollcrete is actually stronger than con- ventional concrete and can be put in place more quickly with standard earth-moving equipment. By using this new material, the Army Corps of Engineers saved nearly $1 1 million from the original budget estimate of $25 million. While protecting the area from flooding, the dam has also created new recrea- tional areas without any adverse impact on the natural environment. The successful use of rollcrete in the Willow Creek Dam has proven the via- bility of the new material and may indeed influence new dam construction throughout the world. The federal government spends almost $40 billion annually on the design and construction of federal facili- ties. But no single agency is responsible for the design and construction of these facilities. Responsibility is decentralized among more than a dozen agencies. Such decentralization can lead to costly duplication of effort, particularly in the areas of design, construction technol- ogy, and construction manage- ment. Seeking to minimize federal inefficiency, several agencies sought a mechanism to exchange information and share common design and con- struction problems. In 1953, they helped formed the Federal Construction Council (FCC) as an activity of the Building Research Board of the National Research Council. During its 36-year history, the FCC has addressed almost every aspect of federal design and construction by sponsoring innovative research studies and organizing symposiums and workshops. The FCC has con- ducted studies on topics such as building diagnostics, quality control, post-occupancy evalua- tion, cost estimating, construc- tion contracts, and computer graphics. Acknowledging the broad applicability of this effort, the private sector and federal Credit U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers. Walla Walla District, Walla Walla, WA agencies have adopted many of the recommendations con- tained in these studies. Today, the FCC is supported by 14 agencies which it helps to streamline their design and construction process and improve their construction technology. The result is greater management efficiency and better quality, innovative federal facilities. Credits General Services Administration, Public Buildings Service, Washington, DC National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Facilities Management Office, Washington, DC National Endowment for the Arts, Design Arts Program, Washington, DC National Science Foundation, Division of Mechanics, Structures, and Materials Engineering, Washington, DC Smithsonian Institution, Office of Facilities Services, Washington, DC U.S. Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Engineering and Services, Washington, DC U.S. Department of the Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers, Washington, DC U.S. Department of Commerce. National Institute of Standards and Technology, Center for Building Technology, Gaithersburg. MD U.S Department of Energy, Office of Project and Facilities Management, Washington, DC U.S. Department of the Navy, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, DC U.S. Department of State, Office of Foreign Buildings Operations, Washington, DC U.S. Postal Service, Facilities Department, Washington, DC U.S. Public Health Service, Office of Management, Washington. DC U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Facilities, Washington, DC 7 5 1 988 Presidential Design Awards Photo Credits 10. Timothy Hursley (large photo] 11. William Clark, National Park Service 14. Ben E. Watkins 15. Ben E. Watkins 18. Hedrich-Blessing 19. Hedrich-Blessing 20. Carol M. Highsmith 21. Carol M. Highsmith 45. Ken Pelka 51. R. Greg Hursley, Inc. 52. Gary Layda 53. Arteaga photos 55. Steve Rosenthal 56. Harlan Hambright 57. Rick Alexander and Associates, Inc. 59. Ed Hershberger 60. Peter Aaron/Esto 62. Christopher Disse ( left) 64. Gabriel Benzur, Inc. (right) 67. Cymie Payne 68. John W Bright (right) 72. Greg Pease 76 1988 Presidential Design Awards INDEX 1 988 PRESIDENTIAL and FEDERAL DESIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS By Design Discipline Architecture Alewife Station and Garage, Cambridge, MA 55 Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes, CA 62 Building By Design Program, Illinois Arts Council, Chicago, IL 54 * Delaware Aqueduct Renovation, Lackawaxen, PA, and Minisink Ford, NY 26 Fifth Street Renovation, Santa Monica, CA 63 Housing for the Elderly, Upper Eastern Shore, MD 58 Nashville Union Station, Nashville, TN 52 Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Buckley ANG Base, Aurora, CO 51 *0'Hare Extension Rapid Transit Line, Chicago, IL 18 Recreational Center, Karlsruhe, West Germany 62 St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO 53 Technology Center, Gaborone, Republic of Botswana 63 Treasury Building Restoration Program, Washington, DC 50 U.S. Court of Appeals/Federal Building, Pasadena, CA 64 U.S. Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka 61 U.S. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 60 U.S. Post Office, Kings Mountain, NC 57 * Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC 10 Waterfront Garages, Charleston, SC 64 Engineering * East Huntington Bridge, Huntington, WV, and Proctorville, OH 28 Enriched Information Signage, Chicago, IL 74 Federal Construction Council, Washington, DC 75 Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore, MD 72 •International Ultraviolet Explorer Program, Greenbelt, MD 12 Lake Lynn Laboratory, Fairchance, PA 73 Mine Roof Simulator, Pittsburgh, PA 73 Red River Army Depot Steam Plant, Texarkana, TX 74 'Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL 24 Willow Creek Dam, Heppner, OR 75 Graphics * American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, Washington, DC . . 17 Army Trainer Magazine, Fort Eustis, VA 35 Books of Postage Stamps, 1985-1987, Washington, DC 48 Environmental Protection Agency Graphic Standards System, Washington, DC 34 Examination Announcement Brochure, McLean, VA 40 John Frazee Exhibition, Washington, DC 39 General Accounting Office Visual Communication Standards, Washington, DC 38 Glen Haven Exhibit, Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI 43 International Exhibits, USIA Worldwide 41 International Paper Shows, USIA Worldwide 41 Gaston Lachaise Exhibition, Washington, DC 39 Maps and Minds Exhibition, Reston, VA 44 Minerals Management Service Logotype, Vienna, VA 45 ♦National Gallery of Art Exhibition Graphics, Washington, DC 17 National Portrait Gallery Permanent Collection Reinstallation, Washington, DC 39 * Piranesi: Early Architectural Fantasies, Washington, DC 17 Resource Protection Exhibits, Yosemite National Park, CA 36 Statue of Liberty Centennial Exhibit, Liberty Island, NY 47 Statue of Liberty Centennial Publications, Liberty Island, NY 46 U.S. Air Service in World War I: Final Report and Tactical History, Washington, DC 43 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sign Standards Program, Washington, DC 42 U.S. Geological Survey Poster Catalogs and One-Color Publications, Reston, VA 37 What Works: Research About Teaching and Learning, Washington, DC 40 Wine: Celebration and Ceremony, New York, NY 45 7 7 1 988 Presidential Desk;n Awards Industrial Design Competitive Edge Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48 Interior Design Council of Federal Interior Designers, Washington, DC 54 Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Castle Rock, WA 59 Restoration of the Secretary of the Navy's Office, Washington, DC ... . 56 *"The Treasure Houses of Britain: Five Hundred Years of Private Patron- age and Art Collecting," Washington, DC 16 Landscape Architecture •Boxley Valley Land-Use Plan, Buffalo National River, Harrison, AR . . . . 22 Buffalo Point Campground, Buffalo National River, Harrison, AR 68 Eagles Roost Area Bank Stabilization, Missouri River, SD 68 Fort Custer National Cemetery, Fort Custer, MI 66 Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, West Germany 70 Visual Prioritization Process, General Hitchock Highway, Tucson, AZ . 69 Urban Design and Planning Arts on the Line Program, Cambridge and Somerville, MA 67 Design and Development Program, Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, Boston, MA 70 * Pennsylvania Avenue Plan, Washington, DC 20 * Southwest Corridor Project, Boston, MA 14 * Recipient of a Presidential Award for Design Excellence 78 1988 Presidential Design Awards INDEX 1988 PRESIDENTIAL and FEDERAL DESIGN ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS By Federal Department and Agency Environmental Protection Agency Graphic Standards System, Washington, DC 34 Farm Credit Administration Examination Announcement Brochure, McLean, VA 40 General Accounting Office Visual Communication Standards, Washington, DC 38 General Services Administration Restoration of the Secretary of the Navy's Office, Washington, DC ... . 56 U.S. Court of Appeals/Federal Building, Pasadena, CA 64 National Aeronautics and Space Administration * International Ultraviolet Explorer Program, Greenbelt, MD 12 National Endowment for the Arts Building By Design Program, Illinois Arts Council, Chicago, 1L 54 Competitive Edge Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48 Design and Development Program, Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, Boston, MA 70 * National Gallery of Art American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, Washington, DC . . 17 Exhibition Graphics, Washington, DC 17 Piranesi: Early Architectural Fantasies, Washington, DC 17 "The Treasure Houses of Britain: Five Hundred Years of Private Patron- age and Art Collecting," Washington, DC 16 Office of Personnel Management Council of Federal Interior Designers, Washington, DC 54 Pennsylvania Avenue Development Corporation * Pennsylvania Avenue Plan, Washington, DC 20 Smithsonian Institution Cooper-Hewitt Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Wine: Celebration and Ceremony, New York, NY 45 National Portrait Gallery John Frazee Exhibition, Washington, DC 39 Gaston Lachaise Exhibition, Washington, DC 39 Permanent Collection Reinstallation, Washington, DC 30 U.S. Agency for International Development Technology Center, Gaborone, Republic of Botswana 63 U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Castle Rock, WA 59 Visual Prioritization Process, General Hitchock Highway, Tucson, AZ . 69 U.S. Department of the Army Army Trainer Magazine, Fort Eustis, VA 35 Corps of Engineers Eagles Roost Area Bank Stabilization, Missouri River, SD 68 Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, West Germany 70 Recreational Center, Karlsruhe, West Germany 62 Red River Army Depot Steam Plant, Texarkana, TX 74 Sign Standards Program, Washington, DC 42 Willow Creek Dam, Heppner, OR 75 79 1 988 Presidential Design Awards U.S. Department of Education What Works: Research About Teaching and Learning, Washington, DC U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fifth Street Renovation, Santa Monica, CA Housing for the Elderly, Upper Eastern Shore, MD Nashville Union Station, Nashville, TN St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO Waterfront Garages, Charleston, SC U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Mines Lake Lynn Laboratory, Fairchance, PA Mine Roof Simulator, Pittsburgh, PA Minerals Management Service Logotype, Vienna, VA Geological Survey Poster Catalogs and One-Color Publications, Reston, VA Maps and Minds Exhibition, Reston, VA National Park Service Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes, CA *Boxley Valley Land-Use Plan, Buffalo National River, Harrison, AR , Buffalo Point Campground, Buffalo National River, Harrison, AR . . •Delaware Aqueduct Renovation, Lackawaxen, PA, and Minisink Ford, NY Glen Haven Exhibit, Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI Resource Protection Exhibits, Yosemite National Park, CA Statue of Liberty Centennial Exhibit, Liberty Island, NY Statue of Liberty Centennial Publications, Liberty Island, NY •Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC+ U.S. Department of the Navy Navy/Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Buckley ANG Base, Aurora, CO 40 63 58 52 53 64 73 73 45 37 44 62 22 68 26 43 36 47 46 10 U.S. Department of State Federal Construction Council, Washington, DC + + 75 U.S. Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka 61 U.S. Embassy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 60 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration •East Huntington Bridge, Huntington, WV, and Proctorville, OH 28 Enriched Information Signage, Chicago, IL 74 Fort McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore, MD 72 * Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL 24 Urban Mass Transportation Administration Alewife Station and Garage, Cambridge, MA 55 Arts on the Line Program, Cambridge and Somerville, MA 67 •O'Hare Extension Rapid Transit Line, Chicago, IL 18 •Southwest Corridor Project, Boston, MA 14 U.S. Department of the Treasury Treasury Building Restoration Program, Washington, DC 50 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Fort Custer National Cemetery, Fort Custer, MI 66 U.S. Government Printing Office U.S. Air Service in World War 1: Final Report and Tactical History, Washington, DC 43 U.S. Information Agency International Exhibits, Worldwide 41 International Paper Shows, Worldwide 41 U.S. Postal Service Books of Postage Stamps, 1 985- 1 987, Washington, DC 48 Post Office, Kings Mountain, NC 57 * Recipient of a Presidential Award for Design Excellence + Supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts + +Supported by 13 other federal agencies 80 1988 Presidential Design Awards