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A Design Study Session was held
to address the
exterior building design of the Development and Community Services
Building (DCSB) Project.
Mr. Feng, Deputy City Manager/Capital Projects and Public Works, gave a
brief introduction and outline of the Study Session presentation.
Alexander Ward,
Director of Design,
Leo A. Daly Architects (Daly),
presented an overview of the design development process since re-starting
the project on November 6, 2003. The presentation generally included:
1.
An overview and objective critique of the previous exterior
building design completed by
Widom Wein Cohen
O�Leary Terasawa
(WWCOT) through the Design Development Phase;
2.
An objective overview of WWCOT�s interior design circulation
concerns;
3.
A summary of Daly�s primary design improvement changes to the DCSB,
including: relocation of the atrium to the building center;
reconfiguration of the stone veneer from the top to the bottom of the
building; related interior circulation modifications; addition of exterior
canopies at the formal and secondary entrances; and, use of pre-cast
concrete in lieu of cement plaster;
4.
An overview of the existing building environment within the civic
center, including a brief design discussion of the Police/Fire
headquarters, City Hall, and the four story Cusumano project currently
under construction as well as an overview of the planned Civic Center
Master Plan including the new Central Library, multi-level parking
structure and a plaza area;
5.
A comparison of existing relevant commercial and civic buildings in
the cities of Pasadena and Santa Monica, the states of Chicago and New
York, and in Europe, that portrayed design features and characteristics
commensurate with the design expression Daly considered appropriate for
the proposed DCSB; and,
6.
A more in-depth presentation of exterior building design elements
that included: expressions of the formal and secondary entries and
canopies; the fountain element at the main formal entrance; horizontal and
vertical articulation of windows, mullions and interior stair well;
materials, finishes and color palettes; and, the landscape program.
Following discussion, the Council requested the following modifications
to the
project:
1) A warmer
material, finish and color palette for the exterior limestone, window
mullions, cement plaster and metal panels; 2) Use of green tinted glass;
3) Clearly defining
the water fountain design envelope at the main entry area. Although
further detailed design is required, it was the consensus of the Council
that the fountain shall be active with articulated noise and movement,
rather than passive;
4) A black granite
accent material for use around the primary entrances and other openings;
5) The main and
secondary entrances were enhanced with hardscape and softscape
modifications;
6) A bas relief
would be considered further at the
Third Street and
Orange Grove main entrance to provide an additional design link to City
Hall;
7) The City seal
would be etched into the large single window at the south elevation; and,
8) An alternative
material and design for the window above the double doors at the community
room, south building elevation.
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