competition submission2005

The Mosaic Foundation design is a vision of a future Arab Cultural Center to be built in Washington, D.C. as a response to a design competition conducted by the Mosaic Foundation. This center is intended to provide a major venue for public use in the nation’s capital providing exhibition halls, event spaces, a theater, learning and research space as well as office space for the organization. The Center is intended to foster knowledge of the Arab world by providing a place where information in the arts, sciences and culture can be exchanged.
The design is based upon a perfect intersection of geometries in plan section and elevation. A massive arabesque cube, 45 meters on a side, floats upon a reflecting pool. The cube and the pool are located at the head of a 200 meter long sunken lagoon.

The cube which houses all functions of the program on five levels above and below grade is constructed of cast in place concrete below grade. Above grade the cube is constructed entirely of patterned, frit and colored glass. The intent is to utilize a Pilkington point support system to create an impossibly light construct. The center is approached along the edge of the lagoon via an elevated bridge arcade, itself large enough for diplomatic receptions and other large scale events.

VIEW MOSAIC FOUNDATION CONSOLATE ANIMATION

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