The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial: Evolution of an Experience

Transcription

1 The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial: Evolution of an Experience Presented by Paul Scardina, FASLA Steven Koch, FASLA

2 Introduction: A brief history of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt era. The Great Depression and War Years Franklin Delano Roosevelt s lasting legacy through social interventions Lawrence Halprin s unique connection to the life and time of FDR. Larry was in a very real sense annealed by the same challenges having witnessed FDR leadership and vision. Larry often remarked that FDR was his president ; that FDR was the only president during his formative years. Lawrence Halprin was indelibly linked to the FDR era, the depression, war and recovery.

3 Site Selection and Brief history of Washington planning 1791 Thomas Jefferson sketch; 1792 L Enfant Plan 1901 Macmillan (Kite) Plan; McKim, Meade & White, D. Burnham, FLO. Jr., St. Gaudens 1974 Macmillan Plan update by Skidmore Owings and Merrill 7.5 acres, in Potomac Park within a grove of Cherry trees.

4 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial 1961 National Competition for a FDR Memorial ; 574 submissions Categories 1. Architectural; 2. Sculptural; 3. Landscape, 1974 Invitational Competition Architectural Sculptural Landscape Pederson-Tilney 1961competition winner Source: The Architecture of Monuments, Thomas Creighton 1962

5 Design Concept and Layout The evolution of a single design concept over 23 years is evidence by major themes remaining constant throughout the process. four rooms/four terms; axial geometrics views to Washington, Jefferson, etc.; L Enfant and MacMillan Plan historical narrative of times through inscriptions and artworks; separation of secular space from more spiritual space with the walls and berm; choreography of movement through space as a key determinate of form and visitor experience; Source: Personal notebooks of Lawrence Halprin

6 Collaborations Having established the basic design layout and cross-section concept, Larry assembled a team of consultants and artists that more or less remained involved from the 70 s on. Artists where selected through research, interviews, workshops and Fine Arts Commission approval. One major challenge was the delegation of themes to each artist to respond to. FDR quotations were selected by Halprin and an expert assistant. Halprin choreographed the position, location, font and size in concert with John Benson, master stone letterer. The selection of the stone type was multi-faceted. Tone, the emotion imparted and inherent in the stone, and color similarities to that found at Hyde Park played an important role. Richard Chaix of CMS Collaborative worked closely with Halprin to achieve specific water quality nuances and affects that play a major role in the choreography of the entire memorial. Lawrence Halprin and George Segal c1978 OLH Michael O Leary, Lawrence Halprin, Leonard Baskin, George Segal c 1977 OLH

7 Time Some changes were driven by budget and the Fine Arts Commission. Formalization of the four rooms, the grand scheme vs. the reduced scheme. the shift in entry point and abandonment of axial run-up to the Washington. Impacts of time on societal acceptance of images of both Eleanor and Fala influence artists work and final approval by the Fine Arts Commission. Eleanor having been originally proposed, omitted, then accepted. FDR s disability and how that dialogue evolved over time ultimately resulting in the addition of the Forecourt. Time was the real key factor; the time lag created by the ongoing funding challenges allowed the design to age and be refined, and allowed Larry time to establish a much more personal and hands on design process and supporting cast. Eleanor Roosevelt maquettes: clay final; plaster with fox stole. Halprin studying scale of Neil Estern s sculpture of FDR assisted by Steven Koch Maquette of Estern s FDR sculpture exposing knee and leg brace.

8 Process Halprin s process included extensive use of sketches, workshops, models, mock-ups, sampling, etc., Each of the key elements of the design evolved from sketches through to field tooling of the final in-situ work. Larry collaborated with artists, visited foundries, visited quarries, built scale models from 1/8 inch to full scale and of various types and uses. Stonework Artwork/Artists Inscriptions Planting Fountains Lighting/Night Experience Clay study model of stone walls and inscription placement, 1inch/ft c1995 LH sketch and watercolor c1977 Gary Roth, assists with design models c1993

9 Technical Challenges Site constraints Cherry Walk Stone typology 300 year life span Forensic Consultants De-mountability, access and view ports. Materials Selection Plantings Lighting Pavement Design Drainage Pre-purchase Coordination Tolerances

10 The Construction of the Memorial Halprin instilled in those building and maintaining the Memorial the same passion that served him throughout the design process and that which inspired the Memorial s design. Bidder and Construction Team Education Explain unique complexities, using design models for bidding Personal presence and interaction with the crews Sketching during construction visits Hand carving of the inscriptions in the field Final stone tooling and water displays

11 The Memorial Experience An engaging unfolding of spaces with a multiplicity of sensual environmental triggers choreographed to events and challenges of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the most empowering eras in the history of the United States of America.