THE CLIENT
As one of the largest governmental agencies, the DC Department of General Services (DGS) manages the District’s real estate portfolio, and has a mission to build, maintain, and sustain these properties across all eight wards.
THE PROJECT
The new DGS headquarters is near completion in Ward 7; relocating to East of the Anacostia River is part of a broader strategy to generate economic prosperity in this area and bring the government closer to the people.
THE CHALLENGE
Informed by the rich history of the neighborhoods East of the River, and the proactive movement for creating economic opportunities in Wards 7 and 8, FORMA by MOYA developed an extensive public art plan and immersive environmental graphics and signage that honors the complexity and depth of the project.
THE DESIGN
FORMA created different concept designs and a curated art package for each of the six levels in the building, themes that embodied the vibrancy of the District. Concept designs include Art & Music on the main level that honors musicians like Duke Ellington and literary greats such as Frederick Douglass to the “Celebrate & Advocate” penthouse level that celebrates the diversity of Washington DC, and its long tradition of social movement.
DESIGNER INSIGHTS
Along with the theme ideation, FORMA also developed a detailed art plan for each floor: information on specific locations, mediums for the different artwork, explanatory plans, wireframe renderings, and the elevations of the spaces were outlined so artists would have all the content they required in one document.
