From Dated Federal Precinct to Vital Ecodistrict
National Capital Planning Commission / U.S. General Services Administration, SW Ecodistrict
Urban Design and Planning
ZGF partnered with the National Capital Planning Commission, U.S. General Services Administration and a consortium of local and federal agencies to develop urban design and sustainability strategies for the SW Ecodistrict in Washington DC—the country’s first government-backed ecodistrict. The resulting comprehensive and forward-looking ecodistrict approach proposes transforming a once disconnected and aging federal precinct into a highly sustainable workplace, cultural destination, and livable neighborhood.
The 110-acre Ecodistrict is targeting net-zero energy as measured in carbon by 2030 through the interconnection of high-performance renovated and new buildings, green infrastructure, and vibrant open spaces to pool resources and share byproducts. Water, gas, electricity, and heating and cooling will all be shared among the buildings to create a 24-hour synergy. The SW Ecodistrict is home to one of the city’s most highly trafficked metro stations and planning accounts for transit enhancements to accommodate increased transit use from residents, workers, and visitors. The resulting neighborhood will use resources more efficiently and contribute to the city’s economic vitality and environmental health.
Location
Washington, DC
Square Feet
15 million
Completion date
2013
Project Component
Urban design
Landscape architecture
The SW Ecodistrict plan envisions a revitalized active, multimodal, and mixed-use neighborhood.
This innovative plan provides a framework for future actions by federal and local interests to create a sustainable neighborhood in the heart of Washington, DC.
L. Preston Bryant, Jr., Former National Capital Planning Commission Chairman
An Urban Garden Promenade
Subsequently, ZGF developed a conceptual landscape design for 10th Street SW from the National Mall to Banneker Park. The concept includes near- and long-term strategies to transform 10th Street into a walkable, vibrant, and mixed-use cultural corridor; create a setting for daily activity and special events; and accommodate high performance infrastructure. A mixture of hardscape, softscape, and waterscape design strategies will combine to create an “urban garden promenade” that functions more as a park than it does a street. The concept also includes significant stormwater management strategies both above and below street level.
An intricate system of bioswales and cisterns will collect, treat, and recycle stormwater at the district-scale to meet goals defined by the SW Ecodistrict Plan.
The existing inhospitable corridor will be transformed into a walkable, green promenade, envisioned as the SW Ecodistrict's cultural and sustainable spine.
Improving a Modernist Landscape for Contemporary Use
Most recently, ZGF designed improvements to Benjamin Banneker Park at the terminus of 10th Street, which was conceptually defined in the SW Ecodistrict plan. Considered a significant work of modernist landscape architecture, the historic park required upgrades to better integrate within its 21st-century urban context. Its revitalization was driven by the goals of increasing access for pedestrians and cyclists, introducing new landscape plantings and stormwater management strategies, as well as better connecting the SW Ecodistrict with the city’s waterfront.
A significant work of modernist landscape architecture, Benjamin Banneker Park required improvements to better connect 10th Street SW with DC's southwest waterfront and the new Wharf Development. The ZGF-designed improvements are intended as an interim solution until a future redevelopment of Banneker Park is completed.
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