The lobby of the Marriott headquarters. Photo: Garrett Rowland
Marriott’s international headquarters and adjacent flagship hotel are the latest additions to the changing Bethesda cityscape, anchoring—and energizing—the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. Designed in sleek style by Gensler, the buildings are linked via a pedestrian plaza. “The vision was a modern, urban campus that communicates hospitality and openness to the community,” relates Jordan Goldstein, Gensler’s co-firm managing principal.
The headquarters measures 21 stories and 785,000 square feet. An organic material palette of white oak and stone creates warmth, while expanses of glass promote transparency. In the lobby (pictured), a 20-foot-tall, 64-foot-wide work of digital art wraps around the elevator bay, displaying ultra-high-resolution video imagery of far-flung destinations that is visible from the street. Over the front desk, a monumental light installation designed by Gensler plays off the idea of travel with a form inspired by topographic lines. A floating terrazzo staircase with integrated seating anchors a three-story atrium. Spaces for innovation include a test kitchen and beverage bar.
Next door, the hotel stands 12 stories, with 244 rooms, 8,000 square feet of meeting space and 13 model hotel rooms for testing new concepts and amenities. Within the two buildings, gathering spots include a rooftop hotel bar and a 7,600-square-foot outdoor garden on the headquarters’ 20th floor. Both buildings are LEED Gold certified.
Architecture: Jordan Goldstein, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, principal in charge, Gensler, Washington, DC. Project Manager: JLL,
Washington DC. Architectural Contractor: Hensel Phelps, Tysons, Virginia. Interior Construction: Rand Construction, Alexandria, Virginia.