THE CHALLENGE
When Aljazeera, the Arabic news network, decided to relocate and expand the operation of
their Washington, DC news bureau, they turned to Lawson for the design of the 40,000 square
foot renovation. Not only did the facility have to support the programming for their worldwide
network, including their current English and Arabic programs and the new Aljazeera-America
cable station, but the construction had to be completed on a fast track.

THE SOLUTION
Lawson’s design seamlessly integrates the entire 24/7 Aljazeera newsgathering operation on
two floors including four studios, a 200-seat newsroom, three production control rooms, a 90
rack equipment room, and office space. The plan includes construction of an interior stairway
between the first and second floors, installation of a 2,000 gallon fuel tank and mechanical
rooms in the basement, and set up of ten satellite dishes and HVAC equipment on the roof.

Reflecting the owner’s vision for a transparent and sophisticated international news bureau,
Lawson created clean, light-filled spaces with furnishings and finishes selected for their elegant
simplicity. When complete, the new facility will combine a refined design aesthetic with the
state-of-the-art infrastructure to both support Aljazeera’s political newsgathering function and
act as back-up for all of the worldwide network’s operations.