Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Administration Building and Virginia State Police Division 7 Headquarters

Hierarchy and Balance Connect Agencies

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Administration Building and Virginia State Police Division 7 Headquarters was completed through a successful partnership between Fairfax County, VDOT, VSP, and the design and construction team. Hierarchy, balance, and function mold together to create one form. Designing a cohesive ground level space for two major state agencies was one of the biggest challenges the team faced. Function was the key driver in creation and in the end, the complex and diverse programmatic requirements transformed the footprint into an organic silhouette filled with natural light.

The ground floor is the core, from which the facility climbs upward in a uniform design that mirrors the traditional office space program. The towering natural stone and glass entryway welcomes visitors to pass through the slate lined floor and breathe in the wealth of light, air, and space engulfing the lobby. Around every corner, wall graphics, signage, and fittings help reinforce the mission and goals of VDOT. A back-lit dimensional map of VDOT’s Northern Virginia District compliments the cherry wood panels and colorful wayfinding/signage in the First Floor Elevator Lobby. Waterways in Northern Virginia were used to name the shared conference rooms on all floors adjacent to the elevator banks. By designing the two longest facades with equal consequence, the building has no true front or back. Every entrance and exit was meticulously woven into the building’s landscape.