Class C Federal Buildings have exterior impact requirements that need to sustain impact of a moving 4,000-pound vehicle at 30 miles per hour and resist interior and exterior bomb blasts up to 100 pounds of TNT or its equivalent. The Small Business Administration (SBA) needed a building that would withstand little or no damage from a terrorist attack, or acts of God, and enable the user to maintain its national base of operations and the ability to mobilize to aid those who had been affected by national catastrophes.

The design and installation of the glass and glazing systems were challenging due to the implementation of the blast and impact loading requirements. This was uncharted territory for the design team. Interior finishes were also challenging because of the intricate level of interior design features for the break room ceiling and flooring system. The acoustical ceiling panels were suspended in a series of oval shapes to represent clouds and the floor patterns were designed to mimic the ceiling. In addition, a commercial grade roll-up was installed in the break room to conceal the specialized “restaurant style” kitchen appliances that are used for major functions.

The second floor has two very large oval skylights that maintain the cloud theme as well as a specialized interior storefront style window system with a writeable surface for the War and Conference rooms, the Area Director, and Deputy Director’s offices. In addition, the exterior glass and glazing systems are designed with bulletproof resistant features per the requirements of the Federal Government.

Architectural treatments include the use of earthtone and neutral colors, seat walls and fountains for building protection, as well as a glass curtain wall and extension hardscape.