BUZZ Eastbanc is planning to build a residential building or hotel at 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, currently the site of an Exxon station. The firm engaged Portuguese architect, Eduardo Souto de Moura, to work on the project. Eastbanc President Anthony Lanier reportedly asked residents to have “an open mind” about the presumably bold design for the project, which has not yet been finalized, and mentioned that the company paid “the highest price paid for land in D.C.” for the property. Souto de Moura is a 2011 Pritzker Prize laureate. At the time the head of the prize’s jury, Peter Palumbo, said de Moura’s buildings “have a unique ability to convey seemingly conflicting characteristics—power and modesty, bravado and subtlety, bold public authority and a sense of intimacy—at the same time.” (Urban Turf )
The Smithsonian Institution has unveiled a $2 billion, 10- to 20-year master plan for its south campus, under which the agency’s oldest assets will be overhauled to create what architect Bjarke Ingels called a “poetic and magical experience.” Led by the Bjarke Ingels Group (B.I.G. Architecture PC), the master plan calls for the total renovation of the Smithsonian Castle, the replacement of the roof under the Haupt Garden, interior renovations and underground additions to the Arts and Industries Building, new connections between the various underground spaces, installation of greener mechanical systems and the lowering of the walls surrounding the Hirshorn Museum. (WBJ) International think tank and foundation, Intelligent Community Forum, named Arlington as one of the world’s Smart 21 Communities of 2015. It was one of four communities in the United States to receive the honor. The Smart 21 list reflects 21 communities around the world that are making innovative, intelligent moves to improve the area. The communities are selected based on five indicators: broadband connectivity, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital inclusion and marketing and advocacy. The 2015 ranking makes it the fourth time Arlington has made the Smart 21 list. (WTOP)
42 | Dec
2014