New lobby in the federal building Peter W. Rodino by DCM Architecture & Engineering LLC

Description of project by DCM Architecture & Engineering LLC

The Federal Office building Peter W. Rodino is a structure of 16 floors and 43,500m² that hosts several government agencies, including the U.S. Regional Center for Citizenship and Immigration Services, the General Services Administration, and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The original main entrance hall of this security building consisted of two narrow entrances, each with a single scanner and a large exit lane between them. To alleviate the daily congestion and the long lines of visitors waiting to pass through security, the lobby expanded into the two-story porch. Taking the space adjacent to the first floor, the two security control entrance spaces expanded to accommodate two baggage scanners in each; while the central exit path narrowed.

DCM used the structural pattern of the existing concrete panel façade to design the stud grid for the new curtain wall. The support structure for the new porch that rises above the plaza remains hidden behind these curtain wall studs, making this large stainless steel pergola appear to float. At the same time, this structure provides the necessary support to resist a possible explosion in the street.

Elevated six feet above the square, the expansion of the Walnut Street lobby required a new design of the stairs leading to the elevated platform to meet accessibility requirements. A new stone shelf with precast grooved concrete panels matching the existing color palette adds a decorative touch.

In the interior, the foyer offers a modern look and at the same time is warm and welcoming to the public. DCM worked to replicate the solid geometry of the façade by drawing stripes on the terrazzo floor and shadow lines between the wall finishes. Different materials were used to differentiate the spaces within the portal. From the street, visitors enter a double-height space with reflective glass ceiling panels and light-coloured marble cladding; grooved to match the texture used in the exterior concrete panels. The security checkpoint area with baggage and body scanners has LED strip lighting in linear fosseados on the ceiling. Perforated wood panels cover the new explosion-resistant concrete walls, creating a softer color scheme and at the same time helping to reduce noise. Underfloor heating helps relieve cold drafts in winter.

Composite panels completely separate the central exit corridor from the two entrances. Finished in brushed aluminum and mimicking the perforation of wood panels, these panels allow guards to see the exit corridor while maintaining access control.