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The Smithsonian's proposal for development of the Quadrangle is based on the need to strengthen certain areas of its collections and exhibits programs and to provide additional services to the public. This includes ways of meeting the space requirements of the Freer Gallery of Art for exhibition, conservation, libraries, research, and education. More recently, the legislative history of P.L. 95-414, signed by the President on October 12, 1978, suggests that the Museum of African Art be moved from its present location on Capitol Hill. The normal growth of this museum's excellent collections and the need to improve visitor accessibility will inevitably require this step, and a Mall site suitable for this new national museum is being sought. 

Finally, a high priority has been assigned to providing proper environmental conditions for the Institution's rare book library, and this, together with the expanding programs of the Smithsonian Associates, the absence of a central educational facility, and the ever-present public demand for parking in the Mall area, require that the Smithsonian accelerate its planning in order to respond to the visiting public and scholarly community who enjoy and rely on its unique resources. 

The Smithsonian is currently studying a design concept for the Quadrangle that is composed of three building elements, each of which has evolved from primary program needs. 

The first element is a building on the east side of the Quadrangle along Independence Avenue that would provide approximately 85,000 square feet for the Museum of African Art. A second element, on the west side of the Quadrangle along Independence Avenue, would provide additional resources for the Freer Gallery and new exhibit space for Asian Art. Approximately the same size as the building to the east -- 78,000 square feet -- its above-ground area (approximately 18,000 square feet) also would be devoted to exhibition and other public use, and below ground it would be integrated with the existing Freer Gallery of Art. 

A third building element, located beneath the Quadrangle, would provide parking for approximately 400 cars, to be available for staff and public, and would be operated as paid parking with receipts applied against the cost of its construction. Space for a rare book library and related library services, quarters for the National and Resident Associate Programs, and a central educational facility would also be part of this element, thus creating a lively center of participatory activity during the day and in the evening as well. 

The entire area would be landscaped attractively to create, within the Quadrangle, a quiet enclave for the public. This would be accented by a traditional Japanese garden adjacent to the west building and