foster + partners: citycenter DC breaks ground

‘citycenter DC’ by foster + partners, washington DC images courtesy of foster + partners

‘citycenter DC’ by international studio, foster and partners has broken ground. located in the heart of washington, DC, the ten-acre low carbon master plan is one of the largest urban developments currently underway in the united states.

the site, which was previously enclosed by a vast single volume, borders the main city axis of new york avenue, with views towards the white house. the development breaks the large plot of land – previously occupied by a convention center – into smaller, pedestrian blocks occupied by hotels, offices, apartments, restaurants and a wide range retail shops.

plaza

rooted in the distinctive urban identity of the city, the design reinstates and expands the original 18th century alleyways between the blocks. designed to be human-scaled, in contrast with the imposing scale of the surrounding blocks, the volumes step down from ten storeys at the perimeter of the site to frame a central plaza, where the streets and pathways converge. a new public park, designed by kathryn gustafson, in the north-west corner of the site further extends the public realm and provides a multitude of spaces for social interaction and personal reflection.

retail outlets

the high density, mixed-use scheme will create a low-carbon, pedestrian-friendly quarter that looks to bridge the historic, predominantly residential neighborhoods to the north and the commercial office developments to the south.

view of plaza at night

david summerfield, design director at foster + partners, said:

‘citycenter DC is one of the most significant urban developments in the united states today and we are honoured to be designing a low carbon masterplan for such a prominent site. our design has evolved through detailed studies of the city’s climate and streets – the new buildings will integrate with their historic context and create a unique place to live and work, as well as a major new civic space and amenities.’

site plan