D.C. Convention Center Public Realm Plan

D.C. Convention Center Public Realm Plan
(use scroll bar on right side of this window to read description)

LOCATION: Washington D.C.
CLIENT: Washington D.C. Convention Center Authority

The urban design analysis and resulting plan for this twelve block area surrounding the massive Washington Convention Center proposed several key strategies.  There was the need to meet new stormwater management goals and collect storm water runoff into the new streetscape plantings and wall gardens. Innovative lighting concepts were required to make the surrounding spaces and streetscapes safer at night, with an improved sense of human scale and wayfinding.  Imaginative architectural treatments were proposed as another way to enhance the sense of human scale at the ground levels of the huge building complex. Activating the street edge, with improved retail access, to make it feel friendlier during the day and livelier at night, was an important part of the plan. Ed Hamm was an Associate Principal and lead designer on this project while he was with Rhodeside & Harwell.