Between 1925 and the late 1980's, the Library of Congress Coolidge Auditorium and its adjacent hall, the Whittal Pavilion, recorded over 2,000 live performances of American musical composers and artists. After decades of neglect, however, the 500 seat auditorium closed in the early 1990's and the Smithsonian's recording program was discontinued. The challenge that faced Sorg Architects was to restore the space to its cultural purpose, to incorporate modern systems, including sound and recording equipment, and to provide handicapped accessibility. Providing handicapped accessibility was a particularly challenging aspect of this project and Sorg's solution was to design an exterior addition that provides a new sculptural element to the existing courtyard, while protecting the historic interior from further damage. The triangular, granite-clad form provides a visual and textural contrast to the eclectic styles of the enclosing courtyard facades. Although the form itself is cool and serene, the detailing (small window openings, ironwork grills reflecting the motif of the auditorium, and the small decorative masonry) creates it=s own understated richness. The re opening of the Coolidge Auditorium to critical acclaim helped to reestablish the public image of the Library of Congress as an important musical performance venue.

Client: The Architect of the Capitol