Architecture

Architects envision Washington DC's first elevated park

Architects envision Washington DC's first elevated park
OMA and OLIN's 11th Street Bridge Park proposal
OMA and OLIN's 11th Street Bridge Park proposal
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Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners concept features basketball courts, a skate park, a water garden and cafes
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Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners concept features basketball courts, a skate park, a water garden and cafes
The collaboration between Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture features a climbing wall, fishing pier, floating gardens and several cafes
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The collaboration between Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture features a climbing wall, fishing pier, floating gardens and several cafes
Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture's proposal also features an education center, amphitheater and multiple lawns and orchards
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Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture's proposal also features an education center, amphitheater and multiple lawns and orchards
Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal is features a definite focus on recreation
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Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal is features a definite focus on recreation
Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal boasts a trampoline park
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Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal boasts a trampoline park
OMA and OLIN's proposal features two sloped ramps which visitors can walk upon to reach lookout points from which to view local landmarks
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OMA and OLIN's proposal features two sloped ramps which visitors can walk upon to reach lookout points from which to view local landmarks
OMA and OLIN's 11th Street Bridge Park proposal
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OMA and OLIN's 11th Street Bridge Park proposal
View gallery - 7 images

Four competing teams of architects have unveiled their proposals for what will become the first elevated park in Washington, DC . Measuring roughly the same length as three American Football fields placed end-to-end, the 11th Street Bridge Park project will be built upon the foundations of a former freeway bridge that spans the Anacostia River and serve the communities which lie either side.

The 11th Street Bridge Park project was conceived by The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC), and has received funding from the Washington, DC city council. At this stage, the proposals are still relatively lacking in specifics, though we can expect more details to be revealed once a winning proposal is chosen and work begins in earnest.

Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners

Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners concept features basketball courts, a skate park, a water garden and cafes
Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners concept features basketball courts, a skate park, a water garden and cafes

Balmori Associates and Cooper, Robertson & Partners' proposal strives for inclusivity and hopes to bring communities on both side of the river closer together. The park will connect a walkway from Martin Luther King Avenue in Anacostia with 8th Street on Capitol Hill.

The bridge-based park features basketball courts, a skate park, a water garden and a number of cafes. There's also a boardwalk, kayak launch, herb garden, and public art spaces.

OMA and OLIN

OMA and OLIN's proposal features two sloped ramps which visitors can walk upon to reach lookout points from which to view local landmarks
OMA and OLIN's proposal features two sloped ramps which visitors can walk upon to reach lookout points from which to view local landmarks

OMA and OLIN's proposal is the most detailed of the four. It features two sloped pedestrian ramps which reach lookout points that boast a good view of nearby local landmarks. The park also offers access to the river to facilitate boating and related water-based activities, plus amenities such as restrooms, refreshments, and shelters.

Interestingly, OMA and OLIN's proposal also calls for a waterfall that's linked to a filtration system, which in turn cleans the water around the bridge – though its not made clear just how this works.

Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture

Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture's proposal also features an education center, amphitheater and multiple lawns and orchards
Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture's proposal also features an education center, amphitheater and multiple lawns and orchards

Stoss Landscape Urbanism and Höweler + Yoon Architecture's proposal promises flexibility and, despite its climbing wall, fishing pier, floating gardens and several cafes, remains adaptable and expandable should requirements change as further planning commences. There's also an education center, amphitheater and multiple lawns and orchards.

Wallace Roberts & Todd and NEXT Architects

Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal is features a definite focus on recreation
Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal is features a definite focus on recreation

Wallace Roberts & Todd and Next Architects' proposal promises a healthy focus on fun. The park is split into four distinct recreational zones and includes a dog park, herb wall, water garden, amphitheater, water taxi-stop, fishing pier, climbing nets, and even a trampoline park.

Members of the public are invited to offer their opinions of the proposals by filling out a survey (via the source link below), and the judges promise to take the comments into consideration while making their decision in mid-October. Construction should be completed by 2018 and is expected to cost approximately US$30 million.

Source: 11th Street Bridge Park

View gallery - 7 images
4 comments
4 comments
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is a cool and green idea. It is nice to see it being used to give residents of Washington DC a place to escape to and relax.
Rehab
Absolutely beautiful, fantastic. It turns the freeway into the eyesore that it is and will encourage people to abandon their cars for a greener healthier lifestyle. I would visit just to set foot on this.
Slowburn
How structurally sound is the old bridge?
Douglas Willinger
2 issues:
- Noisy from the adjacent uncovered freeway
- No eyes on the street or park- see Jane Jacobs
How about a version lined with residences on the side closer to the freeway with passages to a hallway on the freeway side and with the main windows facing the linear park? We had old bridges in London with buildings, why not here?