Art-in-Architecture
processes, such as NEPA, zoning, or Section 106, are
important. But less formal planning, information sharing,
GSA has a policy of incorporating fine art into the
and problem solving activities can be equally valuable to
design of new Federal buildings and in major repair and
the project team.
alterations of existing Federal buildings. One half of one
percent of the estimated construction cost is reserved for
First Impressions
commissioning works by living artists. These works are
acquired through a commissioning process that involves
The GSA First Impressions Program is a comprehensive,
public participation by art professionals, community
nationwide effort to improve the appearance of the
representatives (including the primary client), and the
public areas inside and surrounding our existing
architect of the building. The A/E team has a responsi-
buildings. The program is comprised of five basic
bility to work with GSA to ensure that the art is an
principles: streamlining security, consolidating functions,
integral component of the building.
unifying signage, reducing clutter, and where necessary,
implementing architectural modifications to transform
Urban Design and Community Development
the building's overall image. These principles should
be applied to any building modernization, repair and
GSA is committed to maximizing the returns on its
alterations project, security upgrade, or landscape
Federal real estate investment and to leveraging its
improvement that affects the public areas of a property.
investments in ways that support communities, wherever
For mor information visit, www.gsa.gov/firstimpressions.
possible. Collaboration with local officials, neighboring
property owners, residents, and appropriate interest
The Integrated Workplace and WorkPlace 2020
groups is essential to shape the project in ways that
provide positive benefits to the surrounding
The GSA supports an interior design program that
neighborhood and community.
provides tenants with superior workplace environments
that meet their business goals and enhances employee
Project teams should seek out potential issues and
health, satisfaction, and performance. The workplace is
collaborate with local partners to solve them. Aggressive
successful when it is a strategic tool that is integral to
identification of issues and opportunities is necessary to
business and real estate goals. It should provide an
minimize project risk and delay, strategize the long term
effective workplace for federal employees reflecting the
use and maintenance of the facility, maximize the project's
clients' culture, motivation, business strategy and nature
positive impact on the community, and bring local
of their work.
resources to bear on delivering the best final product to
GSA clients.
PBS has developed the WorkPlace 2020 Program to help
particular organizations identify the unique nature of its
Issues of common interest, such as facility location,
work, its culture and its organizational goals, and to directly
architectural and urban design, parking, transportation,
link design recommendations based on those under-
and security provide significant opportunities to work
standings to the workplace. For more information, visit the
to address issues. Partners should include not only city
WorkPlace 2020 website at: www.gsa.gov/workplace2020,
officials but other entities with relevant knowledge,
concerns, or resources. Formal planning and consultation
07
GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS
1.2
General Design Philosophy
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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