Opening to the public on June 21, The Observation Deck at CEB Tower in Rosslyn showcases 360-degree views of the nation’s capital—and far beyond—from its perch atop the tallest building inside the Beltway. The 12,000-square-foot, 31st-floor space is part of a whole-building design by architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle. “The observation deck was an integral part of the plan,” says lead designer Hany Hassan. “The building is sculptural, culminating at the top with this special amenity.”

Inside the oval, glass-walled space, dark-blue, non-reflective paint covers most surfaces for unimpeded evening viewing; lights embedded in the ceiling resemble stars in a night sky. Varying in height from 15 to 30 feet, the ceiling is faceted in prismatic forms that deflect sound. An upper level opens onto a cantilevered terrace. And a café occupies the center of the space.

JBG Smith, the developer behind CEB Tower, tapped Legends—creator of New York’s One World Observatory—to make The Observation Deck a must-see attraction. It boasts interactive displays and audio programs that weave DC’s history into the viewing experience; theviewofdc.com

Architecture: Hany Hassan, FAIA, buildpartner-in-charge and lead designer; Jessica Anderson, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, project manager; Hau Bui, Associate AIA, LEED AP, project architect, Beyer Blinder Belle, Washington, DC. Contractor: Clark Construction, Bethesda, Maryland.