First impressions at historic buildings

These recommendations are intended to be consistent with the general objectives of the First Impressions Program which is a federal initiative to improve the architectural integrity of visitor and tenant gateways into federal buildings. The purpose of this guide is to provide specific design guidance to ensure that changes are consistent with the building's original design and materials.

Design Principles
These recommendations are intended to be consistent with the general objectives of the First Impressions Program which is a federal initiative to improve the architectural integrity of visitor and tenant gateways into federal buildings. The purpose of this guide is to provide specific design guidance to ensure that changes are consistent with the building's original design and materials.
 * 1) Direct visitors' focus to the original space: Changes to an historic space should help visitors appreciate the original design including volume, spatial quality, and materials. Preserve original materials in place.
 * 2) Use original documentation: Where it exists, use historic documentation to draw design ideas. For example, new signage for Department of Justice is replicated from existing sign frames. (Fig. 1) New work may be a simplified version of more elaborate historic work.
 * 3) Design contextually: Design should respond to materials, colors, texture, and detailing of an historic space. Design using comparable quality materials and construction. (Fig. 2)
 * 4) Create opportunities to restore: Use First Impressions as an opportunity to restore historic features. For example, if a lighting upgrade is necessary in an historic space, use the opportunity to replicate historic fixtures, if possible. (Fig. 3)

First Impressions Improvements

 * 1) Functions and furnishings in public space: Limit furnishings to support only functions necessary to welcoming, informing, and securing both visitors and tenants. For example, vendors and commercial activities should be located elsewhere (e.g. near cafeteria). Temporary furnishing for receptions and other events should be promptly removed and stored.(Fig. 4)
 * 2) Signage: Use original signage typeface. For pre-war buildings, signage almost always uses a serif typeface. ADA generally recommends sans serif typeface but serif is permitted as long as letter contrast and size is sufficient to ensure visibility. Attach signage systems in a manner that does not damage original finishes.(Fig. 5)Firstimpressions (1) Page 2 Image 0003.jpg
 * 3) Security: Design guard booth and guard desk architectonically (as built in architectural furniture), matching original detailing and materials in the space. Design desk to conceal computer monitors and equipment.(Fig. 6) GSA Central Office Security Desk Old and New.jpg Ariel Rios Federal Building door.jpg
 * 4) Temporary displays: Design displays to work with the materials and colors original to the space. Install in a manner that does not harm historic materials. (For example: never bolt banners into masonry units; instead, use spring loaded rods or mounting rings held by friction around columns.)
 * 5) Permanent and semi permanent displays: See #4, Temporary Displays. In addition, use historic features as showcases. For example, abandoned directories can be effectively converted to house exhibits or interpretive displays (describing nearby artwork).(Fig. 7) Firstimpressions (1) Page 3 Image 0003.jpg
 * 6) Utilitarian items and equipment: Locate utilitarian items and equipment such as ATMs and trash receptacles outside of lobby areas and primary spaces whenever possible. When not possible, use smallest apparatus in finishes sympathetic with space, consolidating the equipment to the greatest extent possible.(Fig. 8)Incorrect Phone position example.jpg
 * 7) Lighting: Maintain original fixtures wherever possible. Where necessary, to meet required light levels, install lower energy, high output bulbs (where concealed by globes). Use torcheres, freestanding lights, task lighting and other discreet supplementary light rather than permanently mounting new contemporary lights on ornamental walls and ceilings.
 * 8) Doors and other original features: Retain original doors and trim. Where missing, replicate originals. Do not remove original doors.(Fig. 9)

Note
The Center for Historic Buildings is collecting examples of design solutions for historic buildings to include in future updates a to this guide and for GSA's best preservation practices database. Please contact Caroline Alderson at (202) 501-91 56 or by e-mail at caroline.alderson@gsa.gov if you have images or documentation to share.