The design concept emphasizes placing this singular building element in a “field.” The Corona form is then viewed as an object or “jewel” within the landscape. This treatment places primary emphasis on the Corona and other site elements play complementary roles in the overall site composition.
Reaching toward the sky, the corona expresses faith, hope and resiliency. Internal to the building, the corona forms a perimeter zone which surrounds the primary galleries. Daylight enters this zone through openings in the screen panels and through skylights – bringing in light while providing views upward and outward.
The building is positioned within the setbacks required by the McMillan Plan. The corona is set to an angle that is a direct response to and acknowledgement of the sloped capstone at the top of the Washington Monument. The pattern of the corona panels relates to the stone ashlar pattern on the Washington Monument.
The Corona rests on a base of clear glass panels that provide generous views into and through the building as well as outward from the interior into the surrounding landscape and the Monument Grounds. Special consideration was given to views out to the Washington Monument as the primary interior building cores have been positioned to facilitate unobstructed sight lines.
The primary entry is positioned on the south side of the building facing the Mall with an additional entry located on the north facade facing Constitution Avenue. As an object, the Pavilion is surrounded by a landscape which complements the Washington Monument grounds. Visitors approaching by foot are guided to the entries by landscape treatments that offer shade and frame views to and from the museum grounds.
