Oklahoma State Capitol (New West Entrance)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Originally constructed as the service entrance to the Oklahoma State Capitol, the west entrance had in recent years become the entrance used most often by visitors and much of the State legislature. The entrance did not reflect the importance of the building and was not welcoming to visitors. The purpose of the project was twofold; to improve the appearance and functionality of the west entrance and add a separate secure entrance for material deliveries. The original entrance, a true granite arch, was fitted with small doors which did not accommodate the number of people trying to enter the building during rush hours. Material deliveries that had to be scanned by security caused further delays. A low awning, installed to protect people waiting to gain entrance, hid the granite arch from view. The lobby was already too small and security upgrades called for additional scanning equipment.
Arch and lobby beyond the entrance were illuminated by replacing the awning with a conditioned glass-roofed vestibule. Exposed steel structure and transparency of the glass distinguished the vestibule as a modern addition and allowed the stately Soloman Layton building to be viewed undisturbed. The interior lobby was enlarged and renovated to allow for the display of art and to serve as a fitting formal entrance to the State Capitol. The lobby design is a contemporary interpretation of the original materials and details, and utilized marble, terrazzo and plaster. Other project elements - new loading dock and security scanning room for material deliveries, new parking lot, a granite plaza, landscaping, building accent lighting and site lighting.
Accolades
2009 Architecture Merit Award, American Institute of Architects, Oklahoma
2010 Architecture Citation Award, American Institute of Architects, Central Oklahoma Chapter
New plaza and entrance
Exterior
Interior
Interior
Detail
