The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The Reach - Steven Holl Architects

In his final State of the Union address, President Kennedy stated that "to promote the appreciation of culture among all people... to increase respect for the creative individual, to broaden the participation of all the processes and achievements of art: this is one of the fascinating challenges of these days."

As a living memorial to his name, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts fulfills this vital mission by presenting and producing the finest in the performing arts, supporting the creation of new works, and providing innovative and comprehensive arts education to millions of people across the country.

As the institution enters its fifth decade, the Expansion Project will be a place where the community can engage and interact with artists and their creative output in inspired and meaningful ways, across the full spectrum of the creative process. Rehearsals, education, and a variety of much-needed indoor and outdoor spaces will enable the Center to continue to play a national and global leadership role in providing artistic, cultural, and enrichment opportunities for all.

THE DESIGN

As a "living memorial" to John F. Kennedy, the Center for the Performing Arts takes an active place between the great presidential monuments of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. Steven Holl Architects It envisages the expansion of the building to blend in with the landscape and the river, rather than being an appendix object.

Steven Holl created an innovative design that preserves the existing building’s footprint and offers rehearsal and classroom spaces, a conference room, multipurpose meeting rooms, and event space. Located to the south of the existing structure, the expansion will feature interior spaces with high ceilings and plenty of natural light.

The open and engaging landscape will provide small, intimate spaces for gathering and visiting at any time of day. An exterior wall will host simulcast broadcasts and performances within the Kennedy Center and beyond. A restful grove of 35 ginkgo trees will recognize President Kennedy’s position as the 35th President of the United States. An infinity pool will offer direct views across the Potomac to Theodore Roosevelt Island. Multiple gardens will provide opportunities for casual performances and events and other flexible venues for greater engagement, further positioning the Center as a nexus of art, learning, and culture for years to come.

The Kennedy Center’s connection to the Potomac River will finally be restored, more than 50 years after its loss in Edward Durell Stone’s initial design, allowing easy access to and from the Rock Creek Trail and Georgetown’s waterfront. The River Pavilion will provide a participatory and interactive space for small-scale performances, intimate concerts, poetry readings, and other experiences that are not easily accessible within the existing building. It will expand and enhance the commemoration of President Kennedy and his significant contributions to the arts and American culture.

Washington DC, United States of America 2019
PROGRAM: Rehearsal room, classroom, event and pre-function space, meeting room, 144 seat multipurpose space, landscaped gardens, performance space, production office, River Pavilion Cafe, catering kitchen, perennial gardens, bus parking,
CLIENT: John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
SIZE: 72.000 sq. ft. interior, 130.000 sq. ft. landscaped area
STATUS: Completed

Photography:
- Richard Barnes
- Jonathan Morefield