Public buildings that represent our democracy are required to embrace the increasingly contradictory demands of being both welcoming and secure. This contradiction has been one of the greatest sources of architectural invention, as we work closely with key stakeholders to integrate constantly evolving security requirements and technologies into the building and site design.

 

Public buildings have symbolic content that sets them apart from private and institutional structures. They represent our society’s enduring values and reflect the importance of civic institutions while communicating respect for the individuals and communities they serve. Using dramatic means and subtle distinction, we convey this symbolism through a building’s visual strength and its respect for the scale, comfort, and orientation of the individual.