A Kinetic Pocket Park Powered by Pedestrians

A Kinetic Pocket Park Powered by Pedestrians

Golden Triangle Business Improvement District, Connecticut Avenue Overlook

Urbanism and Landscapes

On a Pro-Bono basis, ZGF provided urban planning and conceptual design services to transform an unsightly patch of concrete on the south side of Washington DC’s Dupont Circle into an innovative 850 SF micro-park that exhibits user-generated renewable energy. ZGF’s design  included the installation of kinetic pavers, funded by a Sustainable DC grant.

Pedestrians are invited to participate in an energy solution that transforms the power of their footsteps into electricity, which is harnessed to light the park. As visitors walk across the overlook throughout the day, the tiles generate electricity with every step. This electricity is stored in a battery for use at night to illuminate the staggered granite seating and create a lighting display. 

Location

Washington, DC

Square Feet

850

Completion date

2016

Project Component

Urban design

Previously an unremarkable site, the project transformed a concrete overlook on top of a bridge structure into a pocket park with landscaped raised planters.

"ZGF succeeded in designing a space that people can enjoy and which invites them to stay in the neighborhood."
Leona Agouridis, Executive Director, Golden Triangle BID