A Sophisticated Twist on the Commercial Lobby
JBG Smith, 4747 Bethesda Avenue Lobby
Mixed Use, Interiors
When JBG Smith held a competition for the lobby and public spaces within a brand new mixed-use office building in downtown Bethesda, the developer client's design brief sought a solution that would embody “hospitality, authenticity, and the theater of retail”, differentiating this Class-A building in a competitive leasing market. In sharp contrast to the ubiquitous white, stark, and sometimes clinical lobbies that seem to be the latest trend for office towers in every major urban market, ZGF created a lobby at 4747 Bethesda that is warm, inviting, and multidimensional—more sophisticated mid-century lounge than corporate power statement.
Location
Bethesda, Maryland
Square Feet
9,934
Completion date
2020
Project Component
Interior design
The richly layered, timeless environment encourages movement through the lobby and the adjacent retail spaces it connects. Multiple planes with varied levels of transparency provide visual cues to draw visitors through the space. From the street, an ultra-clear low-iron glass curtain wall, held in place with a tension cable facade, provides passersby with crystal clear views inside. An extruded glass vestibule marks the point of arrival for building visitors.
The reception desk is set against a backdrop of translucent copper mesh, a theatrical scrim with dramatic glimpses to the ceremonial stair beyond. A ribbon of wood slats runs along the ceiling and down the opposite wall, adding warmth to the space while providing privacy for a second-floor conference room perched above. On the ground level, a portal to the neighboring retail space, anchored by metal framed glass allows a seamless flow between zones.
Timeless materials and rigorous detailing contribute to a classic aesthetic, one that will persist as other design trends come and go. Eclectic, varied, and visually textured art and furniture reinforce the design language of the building and echo the vitality of the surrounding neighborhood.