Exterior of the new library and reading room	The Library's terraces	Atrium & Circulation area

DUMBARTON OAKS GROWS VSBA DESIGNS NEW LIBRARY & RENOVATES GARDENER'S COURT Washington, DC – Dumbarton Oaks recently celebrated the opening of its new library, designed by Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates, Inc. The 42,960 gsf, $18,000,000 facility was created to house the institution’s noted collections in a state-of-theart environment and provide additional research space. The project was directed by Principal Daniel McCoubrey and managed by Senior Associate James Wallace. The 5-story library is part of a complex of three McKim, Mead and White buildings amidst the Beatrix Farrand landscape at the edge of the formal estate gardens. The library’s form is derives from the landscape: the red brick and limestone east façade connects with the complex’s neo-Georgian structures while the west façade is terraced in relation to Farrand’s wooded “Dell” landscape. The library mediates between the ordered court and the Romantic landscape. Our extensive site work helped to knit project components within the existing landscape and to protect and restore original features of the gardens. Across from the library, the original chauffeur’s house long served as home for Dumbarton Oaks’ directors. It will now contain dining and kitchen facilities for fellows and staff. Renovation of the original “Cool House,” a greenhouse, provides primary reading space, library services, and archives storage. Across the Dell, VSBA designed the Gardeners’ Court building to house a new central plant. We’re also renovating the original Main House for gallery use and administrative purposes. Contact: Susan Scanlon, Public Relations   (215) 487-0400

Detail of the exterior's decorative brick patterns	Atrium & circulation area	Reading room