Federal Services Featured Project:
National Capital Planning Commission gallery

Client: National Capital Planning Commission
Location: Washington, DC

As the central planning agency for the federal government, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is responsible for preserving the unique beauty and historic urban design of Washington, DC. NCPC provides overall planning guidance for federal land and buildings in the National Capital Region. Through its planning policies and review of developmental proposals, the commission seeks to protect and enhance the extraordinary historical, cultural, and national resources of the Nation's Capital.

NCPC's goal was that its new offices reflect the important role NCPC plays in Washington, DC. This mandated a high profile public image with state-of-the-art technology. The offices are divided into two realms -- one for NCPC staff and one for the public. Public spaces include the reception/pre-function area, conference rooms, a display gallery, and a 150-seat Commission chamber.

To enhance and exhibit the new NCPC image, all accessible public spaces were planned using a contemporary design approach that included curb walls and built in elements such as custom millwork, upgraded finishes and materials. Settles' biggest challenge was to overcome the space constraints: the long, narrow space contained too many columns. Settles transformed the space by designing bulkheads into the low ceiling. Settles Associates specified many interesting materials, including wood, glass, stone marble, and carpet. Settles also incorporated special lighting and glass for exhibit space. NCPCís state-of-the-art computerized communications, audiovisual and lighting systems are all connected to a central monitoring station.

A focal point of the reception area is a large model of the District of Columbia and a wall display of current projects. The area also features a circular maple and marble desk, special indirect lighting, and marble flooring with accent carpet inserts and borders.

Features of the 1,970 S.F. hearing room:

• Seats Commissioners, NCPC staff and the public and is connected to an overflow conference room
  
• Includes custom maple and stainless table, the latest audiovisual and computerized communications system
  
• Individually controlled-zoned sound system; special zoned cove lighting and downlights

Glazing and aluminum are used in the office area and team rooms. The executive area features maple millwork with stone tops. Employee workspace includes an executive secretarial area with frosted glass and aluminum enclosed offices, maple and marble workstations and waiting area. There are also teaming areas with presentation walls, computerized data center, closed circuit television, and adjustable meeting configuration. Additional conference and break rooms, LAN and computer rooms, and a high density rolling file system.