Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Chat with Architects Behind MLK Jr Library Renovation

Model featuring *possible* additions to M:K Jr Library.
The architects behind the new vision of DC's flagship Martin Luther King Jr Library are opening up to questions from the general public. In an internet-based session moderated by the Washington Post's Phil Kennicott, the folks from the Mecanoo/Martinez + Johnson Architecture team will present and later answer individual questions about their proposal to update and transform MLK. The team was one of three finalist and eventually won the design competition to reshape and possibly make major additions to the the aging, but iconic library, located at the corner of 9th and G Sts NW. The talk is on July 10, 12:00 noon. From the organizers:

"Join us on Thursday, July 10 at noon for a free online panel discussion exploring the design of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will have a major renovation and modernization to meet the current and future needs of D.C. residents. The building, designed by modernist architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a designated historic landmark. The DC Public Library is now exploring what's possible for this historic building, and what it would take to make it a spectacular central library for the city. Our panelists will discuss the vision for the renovated Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library; the teams experience designing a modern central library; and navigating the District's design approval process.

Panelists:
Philip Kennicott, The Washington Post, Moderator
Francine Houben, Mecanoo
Tom Johnson, Martinez and Johnson Architecture

The program will last one hour. The first 30 minutes will be a conversation with Philip Kennicott, Francine Houben and Tom Johnson. The latter part of the chat will focus on audience questions. The chat will take place on the Library's Spreecast page. People who are interested in submitting questions in advance can email MLKFuture@dc.gov."