SEGD 2010 No. 27 - 30

A Capital Idea Washington, D.C., is a content-rich venue for the 2010 SEGD Conference + Expo. W ith its vocabulary of granite and marble and limestone, carved letters and majestic sculptures, classical architecture The classical architectural tradition that dominates the city is a constant reminder that the roots of American democracy were transplanted from ancient Greece and Rome. And even as modern architecture has resulted in glass facades on K Street and downtown, the district’s architectural zeitgeist bows to tradition. Individual buildings are subservient to L’Enfant’s well ordered urban plan of 1791, as well as the more contemporary height limits enacted to protect it. and stately canopies of trees, Washington, D.C., tells a story. There are many individual stories told within the walls of its museums, inside its art galleries, and on the stone tablets marking its memorials. But collectively, the city’s monumental features tell just one: the story of what it means to be American. The new underground expansion at the United States Capitol Visitors Center provides orientation, interpretive experiences, and amenities to nearly 4 million visitors each year. A major feature is the 16,5000-sq.-ft. exhibit designed by Ralph Appelbaum Associates. In addition to displaying rare documents and artifacts, the open-plan exhibit space features two theaters offering virtual experiences in the House and Senate that “go live” when Congress is in session. Interactive exhibits, including a cutaway of the Capitol Dome, explore the building’s art and architecture. (Photo: © Albert Vecerka/Esto) 30 segdDESIGN

SEGD 2010 No. 27

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEGD 2010 No. 27