Project Description
As part of the GSA’s Design Excellence program, Schwartz/Silver addressed several requirements at the McCoy Federal Building: improve accessibility and sustainability; replace building systems; provide a secure entry for twenty federal agencies; and convert a concrete plaza into a green landscape. The tower was reorganized to improve circulation patterns and the building envelope rehabilitated. Inspired by the Mississippi River’s changing meanders, the new security pavilion’s entry canopies curve out to welcome pedestrians. The ribbon-like façades of the pavilion are clad in white aluminum skin matching the color of the original tower. In front of that metal surface, aluminum ribbons support translucent glass shingles that hover free of the façade. The shingles, floating in front of the building skin, are luminous and ephemeral.