PROJECT The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon
LOCATION Mount Vernon, Virginia, US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 9/1/2013
ARCHITECT Ayers Saint Gross
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT
OWNER/CLIENT Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association
CONTRACTOR / CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Whiting Turner Contracting Company
PHOTOGRAPHER Robert Creamer; Glenn Neighbors, AIA
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Glenn Neighbors, AIA, Glenn Birx, FAIA, Adam Gross, FAIA, Lex Schwartz, AIA, Michael Scalingi, Kristina Abrams, AIA
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
George Washington intended to build a library for his papers, but that plan was only realized in 2013. The National Library for the Study of George Washington is the national archive for knowledge about our first president’s legacy. The 45,000 square-foot library, sited on 15 acres within walking distance of Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, serves as a national archive for his books and letters and as a center for education and scholarly retreat. The design of the Library references Washington’s Mount Vernon estate by incorporating qualities that are familiar and appropriate, but without literal form or material reference. Well-proportioned architecture of stone, stucco, metal, and glass complements the Mount Vernon estate while representing the strength, order, and dignity of Washington’s leadership. Narrow, 30-foot-wide floor plates connect users to the bucolic landscape. The goal was to create a timeless place that is elegant, ordered, and principled – qualities that allow the Library and grounds to be, in subtle ways, both reflective of the man and connected to the place.
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 National Library_high res ext, Building Exterior, Robert Creamer
IMAGE 2 National Library_high res int, Reading Room, Robert Creamer
IMAGE 3 National Library_int view 1, Interior View, Robert Creamer
IMAGE 4 National LIbrary_int view 2, Reading Room, Robert Creamer
IMAGE 5 National Library_view 2, Exterior Porch, Glenn Neighbors
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The Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon
Category
State > AIA Maryland > Institutional Architecture (AIA Maryland)
Winner Status
- Merit Award
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