open to the public since september 2019, the reach, the kennedy center for the performing arts expansion by steven holl architects, blends within the existing landscape and river in washington, DC. the new extension is designed to preserve the silhouette of the current building, while it comprises rehearsal rooms and classrooms, a lecture hall, multipurpose meeting rooms, and an event space.
all images © richard barnes
 
 
as the john f. kennedy center for the performing arts enters its fifth decade, the expansion project by steven holl architects contributes with a space where the community can engage and interact with artists and their creative output in meaningful ways, across the full spectrum of the creative process. located south of the existing facility, the reach provides much-needed rehearsal, education, and a variety of flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, adding to the center?s role in supporting the creation of new works, and offering innovative and comprehensive arts education to millions of people across the country.
 
 
the open and engaging landscape of the expansion incorporates a restful grove of 35 ginkgo trees that acknowledge president kennedy?s position as america?s 35th president, as well as an infinity pool offering a direct sightline to the theodore roosevelt island across the potomac river. additionally, varied gardens provide opportunities for casual performances and events and other flexible locations for enhanced engagement, further positi...