The multi-phase interior design program focused on upgrading the public lounge areas throughout the Convention Center, by adding 237 new furnishing arrangements.
From the Events DC's Official Press Release:
“DC is a forward-thinking city, where we host some of the world’s most incredible events and leaders – and with that we need to provide an experience to match. The interior redesign program at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is not just about new furnishings – but how function and form come together to create an environment to connect and relax and how smart surfaces can heighten your visitor experience as a more active participant,” said Max Brown, Chairman, Board of Directors of Events DC. “By creating this greater sense of place, we are adding extra value to Washington, DC and its event experience.”
The long-term vision for the project is to better serve the Convention Center community across the 2.3 million square feet to provide an array of colorful and contemporary furnishings that integrate power and Wi-Fi in an era where connectivity is a key component of an event experience. The user experience is boosted as a result of a vibrant atmosphere that enables people to connect to the latest technologies while in the comfort of an “open but intimate” environment.
“The interior design program at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is part of Events DC’s long-term strategy to create authentic experiences both inside and outside the Convention Center. The project provides interactive and value-added options for our clients to share with their attendees to collaborate and network, that will help set our destination apart from other competitive markets across the globe,” said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. “Our next step is to reactivate the exterior streetscape in an effort to create a welcoming arrival experience for Convention Center guests and to contribute to the exciting fabric of the surrounding Shaw community.”
The 237 new furnishing arrangements introduce hospitality, flexibility and ample opportunities to connect, be informed and network outside the conference rooms and exhibition halls. Key components include of the project include, open meet-connect lounges that showcase power outlets, USB ports and over-sized floor lamps, a moveable putting green, café style bar tables with iPads for online browsing and artist landscape seating areas.
“McKissack & McKissack’s relationship with the Walter E. Washington Convention Center continues to strengthen with every project. Retrofitting an existing structure is not easy. It takes knowledge, experience, consistency, but more importantly listening carefully to our clients. Our team made sure Events DC was heard, supported, and informed. Their vision has set the new bar among Convention Centers and we embrace the opportunity to work with them,” said Deryl McKissack, Owner, and President.
The groundbreaking for the exterior streetscape project is scheduled to begin spring 2019.
About Jennifer Griffith
Jennifer Griffith LEED AP, International Associate AIA is the Director of Interiors for McKissack & McKissack, a national architecture, engineering, program, and construction management firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. She has an extensive interior architectural design portfolio of renovations and new construction for federal government and corporate commercial clients.
