public art opportunities - ddot · opportunities using inspirational images of the ... illustrate a...

34Rhode Island Avenue, NE Streetscape Master Plan

One of the major challenges of the Rhode Island

Avenue, NE corridor is bringing cohesion to this

disjointed streetscape. Broad swaths of the public

realm along Rhode Island Avenue, NE are largely barren

in appearance and without distinct character or identity.

As such, one of the main design principles for the

corridor is to prioritize a continuous, coherent visual

experience and use visual cues that will thematically

differentiate special districts. In the streetscape plan,

the design team explored how to improve the

streetscape using paving, planting, and simple site

furnishings.

However, the team felt that one key area needing further

exploration for this streetscape was the introduction of

public art to bring artistic flourishes and visual

excitement to the street. The design team collaborated

to identify potential locations for activation through art

and to develop a conceptual approach to those

opportunities using inspirational images of the types of

elements that could work to transform the street.

The opportunities identified by the team include:

• The Metro underpass

• Wedges/triangles

• Areas for scrims/vegetative barriers

• Medians

• Blank vertical surfaces

• The “Gateway” at Eastern Avenue, NE

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITIES

SCRIMS / VEGETATIVE BARRIERS

METRO UNDERPASS WEDGES*

35Design Process

The team imagined these as both permanent and short-

term interventions. Some could be implemented

repetitively to establish continuity along the street,

while others could be used individually to indicate a

particular identity for one area or for a thematic section

of the street. In addition to the map below, the following

pages include a more detailed description of these

concepts, accompanied by precedent images that

illustrate a range of public art opportunities.

As the corridor revitalization continues, art has also

been an important feature. Art Enables (2204 Rhode

Island Avenue, NE) seeks to engage the community

through art, and hosted the second open house. Nearby

Brookland has also seen artist housing and studio space

added to the neighborhood. Public art along Rhode

Island Avenue, NE should seek to engage local

businesses and residents as much as possible.

in progress

GATEWAYSURFACES

MEDIANS


Freestanding Green Facade Wall or Trellis FenceWhen used freestanding, greenscreen®’s unique

wire truss configuration can span between structural

members for use as a security fence, privacy screen,

shade element or three-dimensional enclosure. Light

in weight, but incredibly strong, greenscreen®’s

three inch screen depth “captures” plant material

and provides the benefits of a living fence or tapestry

that can be enjoyed from both sides. Our engineered

mounting accessories match the panel finish and

easily adapt to posts for simple fence installations or

to more complex frameworks for larger multi-story

projects. Working with the 2” modular grid simplifies

the design process and ensures accurate field

installation.

FR

EE

STA

ND

ING

Stu

dio

5C

Tem

pe,

AZ

Premier Auto - Irvine, CA

4 elements

WWII Museum - New Orleans, LA

Can

yon

Spr

ings

Med

ical

- G

ilber

t, A

ZS

tudi

os 5

C -

Tem

pe,

AZ

SCRIMS/VEGETATIVE BARRIERSFlat transparent or opaque screens are installed to create a visual barrier to the eyesores along the street and bring color and pattern into the environment.

37Design Process

1743 S. LA CIENEGA BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA. 90035 T - 800.450.3494 www.greenscreen.com

g r e e n s c r e e n ®

Pressa Street - San Antonio, TX

Freestanding g r e e n s c r e e n® panels

mounted to posts utilize a minimum planter

bed and remain off the building surface.

Hardiness Zone 8b

Inst

alle

d 2

00

1

g

SURFACESBlank walls are decorated with imagery that enhances the street and resonates with the

residents and the character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

MEDIANSPlantings, pavement patterns, art and lighting mark the medians and add visual delight

for both pedestrians and vehicular travelers.


WEDGESThe triangular open spaces along the street become places to sit and gather with the

addition of temporary sunshades, sculpture, moveable planters, umbrellas, and seating.

Note: Many wedge-shaped spaces are owned by the National Park Service (NPS), adding

some challenges to revitilization.

THE METRO UNDERPASSBold super-graphics, imaginative lighting, and colorful painting bring life to a dark tunnel.

39Design Process

GATEWAYOverhead sculptural forms are used to mark the entrance to Rhode Island Avenue, NE

from Maryland at 4th Street NE.

VILLAGEThe charming main street look and small scale of the “village“ section of Rhode Island

Avenue, NE (20th-24th Street, NE) is dramatized with a creative use of paint.


STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN

Design Concept

These pages show the final streetscape plan for the

Rhode Island Avenue, NE study area. Supplemental

enlargements and visualizations of selected focal areas

follow.

REFERENCE PLAN

METRO AREA, SEE ENLARGEMENT PAGES 48-50

41Design Concept

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE


TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL AREA

Large prominent corner for public plaza, art installation, or outdoor event/seating space

Existing wide sidewalk and building character lends this area to have ‘Village’ area streetscape treatment LID storm water planters

Removed existing curb cut

28

’

REFERENCE PLAN



CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL AREA, SEE ENLARGEMENT PAGE 52

Existing concrete median to be planted with shrubs, perennials and grasses

Largest (non-National Park Service) green open space along the corridor

Potential use for public space park furnishings, public art or events

Sidewalk width maximized for possible future redevelopment

(Large empty tract of land: Potential redevelopment property)

Increased area for bus shelter / bus waiting

Removed un-used curb cut

New street trees to provide a vegetated buffer from adjacent parking area

REFERENCE PLAN

43Design Concept


National Park Service open green space, optimal location for outdoor cafe, seating and event space

New allee of flowering trees added to enhance sidewalk character and to buffer adjacent parking areas. Shrub plantings can further screen asphalt lot.

NPS land

Removed redundant curb cut

Enhanced existing planting areas

REFERENCE PLAN



Extended sidewalk to face of building

Extended sidewalk to face of building

Removed curb-cut and potential vehicle cut-through area

Maximized green, open area on corner and extended it along sidewalk

To increase sidewalk space, shortened existing parking area that was extending into the right of way

Increased street tree planting to buffer views of large impervious areas

Site of new public library

and entry plaza



Medians planted with shrubs, perennials and grasses

REFERENCE PLAN

45Design Concept



VILLAGE AREA, SEE ENLARGEMENT PAGES 54-55

REFERENCE PLAN



VILLAGE AREATRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL AREA

National Park Service open green space, optimal for local neighborhood activities, art

Large, mature street trees preserved and tree box widened

Installed flexi-pave to protect existing street tree roots while also increasing sidewalk space

Possible collaboration with homeowners to plant colorful flowering trees behind existing low walls

Additional flowering trees to add bloom color and diversify the tree canopy

REFERENCE PLAN

47Design Concept


GATEWAY AREA, SEE ENLARGEMENT PAGE 58

Potential for large adjacent impervious area to be edges with artful scrim

REFERENCE PLAN


FOCUS AREA 1: METRO

TIN

TE

D C

ON

CR

ET

E

WIT

H A

GG

RE

GA

TE

RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, NE

4TH

STR

EET,

NE

5TH

STR

EET,

NE

SO

CR

AT

ES

BE

NC

H

BU

S S

HE

LTE

R

TR

AS

H R

EC

EP

TA

CL

ES

BL

AC

K U

-RA

CK

CR

OS

SW

AL

KS

Reduced curb-cut width to comply with DDOT standards

Buffer planting to screen asphalt lots

Removed unnecessary curb cut to increase street tree planting area

Planted medianIncreased area for bus waiting and added benches

Planted Buffer Zone

SC

OR

ED

AN

D B

RU

SH

-F

INIS

HE

D C

ON

CR

ET

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MC

DO

NA

LD

’S

SUNTRUST BANKBP

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OF

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OLU

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5TH

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ING

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DIO

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AN

VT N

AIL

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& S

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EX

PR

ESS

49Design Concept

UNDERPASS @

METRO


BO

LL

AR

D

PU

BL

IC A

RT

(B

Y O

TH

ER

S)


CO

BB

LE

STO

NE

PA

VIN

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CO

NT

INU

OU

S S

OIL

PA

NE

L P

LA

NT

ER

S

Fence moved back to provide adequate sidewalk space for pedestrians

Removed curb cut

Site wall added in order to widen sidewalk and should match existing wall at southern underpass entrance

Existing site wall

Bollards added along the curb for increased pedestrian safety

GR

EA

TE

R M

T. C

ALV

AR

Y

HO

LY C

HU

RC

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D&B TRANSMISSION

D&

B T

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)

REFERENCE PLAN


Bollards added along the curb for increased pedestrian safety

Adjacent green space planted to provide shade while waiting for the bus

Fence shifted back to allow for wider sidewalk and easier pedestrian flow to and from Metro

Removed curb cuts leading to illegal car parking

AC

OR

N

PE

DE

ST

RIA

N L

IGH

T

SIG

NA

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(M

AIN

ST

RE

ET/B

ID)

AC

OR

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IGH

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REE

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8TH P

LACE,

NE

CA

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INIS

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REFERENCE PLAN

51Design Concept

VISUALIZATION | NORTHERN SIDEWALK LOOKING EAST EXISTING CONDITIONSPROPOSED CONDITIONS


FOCUS AREA 2: TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL10

TH

STR

EET,

NE

BRYA

NT ST

REET, N

E

FLO

WE

RIN

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CH

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CO

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INU

OU

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OIL

PA

NE

L P

LA

NT

ER

SLarge, mature street trees preserved and tree box widened

Installed flexi-pave to protect existing street tree roots while also increasing sidewalk space

Possible collaboration with homeowners to plant colorful flowering trees behind existing low walls

Median planted with shrubs, perennials and grasses

Location for gateway signage into neighborhood area

12TH

STR

EET,

NE


REFERENCE PLAN

53Design Concept

VISUALIZATION | NORTHERN SIDEWALK LOOKING WEST EXISTING CONDITIONSPROPOSED CONDITIONS


FOCUS AREA 3: VILLAGE

MIL

LS

AV

EN

UE

,, N

E

20TH

STR

EET,

NE

22N

D S

TR

EET,

NE

JACKSON STREET, NE

AC

OR

N

PE

DE

ST

RIA

N L

IGH

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(M

AIN

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ID)

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ED

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AN

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R

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HE

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AS

H R

EC

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BL

AC

K U

-RA

CK

LID storm water planters

Gates shifted to widen sidewalk

Wide sidewalks allow for potential outdoor tables and seating

25

’ ap

pro

x.

OR

PE

L S

ALO

N

NA

ILS

US

PS

CO

FI’S

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AS

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LC

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ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CATHOLIC

CHURCH

WAREHOUSE EMPLOYEE UNION

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US

TA

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55Design Concept

24TH

STR

EET,

NE

KEARNY STREET, NE

SO

UT

H D

AK

OTA

AV

E, N

E

TH

AY

ER

ST

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ET, N

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SC

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Edge of parking moved back to accommodate wider sidewalk

RIT

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REFERENCE PLAN


LID PLANTERS

TREES:

SHRUBS:

PERENNIALS/GRASSES:

ITE

A V

IRG

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A

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TL

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AM

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II

LID Planter

57Design Concept



FOCUS AREA 4: GATEWAY

REFERENCE PLAN


EA

ST

ER

N A

VE

NU

E, N

E

OTIS STREET, NE

NEWTON STREET, NE

TIN

TE

D C

ON

CR

ET

E

WIT

H A

GG

RE

GA

TE

SC

OR

ED

AN

D B

RU

SH

-F

INIS

HE

D C

ON

CR

ET

E

AC

OR

N

PE

DE

ST

RIA

N L

IGH

T

CR

OS

SW

AL

KS

SIG

NA

GE

(M

AIN

ST

RE

ET/B

ID)

AC

OR

N S

TR

EE

T L

IGH

T

GA

TE

WA

Y S

IGN

GA

TE

WA

Y P

LA

NT

ING

SO

CR

AT

ES

BE

NC

H

SU

NN

Y

7-ELEVENS

HE

LL

BT&

T A

UTO

AA ENTERPRISE

D&

T T

HR

IFT

BU

S S

HE

LTE

R

TR

AS

H R

EC

EP

TA

CL

ES

BL

AC

K U

-RA

CK

CO

BB

LE

ST

ON

E

PA

VIN

G

Fence moved back to allow for wider sidewalk

Decreased size of existing curb-cuts

Additional planting and flowering trees enhance the gateway and

diversify the tree canopy

Bold gateway signage and plaza

NPS land

NPS wooded public open space

Gateway sidewalk widened to 10’

59Design Concept

GATEWAY SIGNAGE

The current gateway signage welcoming people to the

District is tucked off to the side of Rhode Island Avenue,

NE and is barely noticeable in the surrounding busy

urban landscape. Its traditional detailing and diminutive

scale is out of place.

The entrance at Rhode Island Avenue provides a perfect

location for something more bold. This page provides

some precedent “inspiration” images for signage

alternatives. The signage material could have the

strong-yet-earthy color of cor-ten steel, whether it’s

made from that actual material or is a screen or scrim

panel that captures the look of the material. These

photographs illustrate the range of treatments from

thick substantial-looking wall panels to something more

delicate, perhaps perforated or punched, providing a

more translucent presence. The potential for punchy

lighting also exists and should be considered in the final

design.

CO

R-T

EN

ST

EE

LL

IGH

TIN

G E

FF

EC

TS P

ER

FO

RA

TE

D M

ETA

L


MEDIAN PLANTING

As an accompaniment to the new gateway sign, a

median filled with vigorous plants provides extra pop,

further emphasizing entry into the District. The planter,

with 24” high walls that protect and separate it slightly

from the street, should be filled with tough plants. The

vegetation shown on this page was selected for its

texture and movement, foliage color, and for its many

seasons of interest. While these plants are drought

tolerant, it is recommended that the planter be irrigated

to help the plant material flourish.

The median planting plan shown here has strong

repeating clumps of evergreen trees surrounded by tall

grasses, moderate-sized shrubs anchoring the center of

the planter, with recurring clumps of perennials at the

perimeter. A brightly-colored sedum has been selected

to periodically spill over the planter’s edge.

Gateway Sign

(beyond)

16” Planter Wall

MEDIAN PLANTER CROSS-SECTIONPLANTING KEY

Ulmus americana ‘New Harmony’

Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Vase’

Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’

Calamagarostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’

Sedum angelina

Itea virginica ‘Little Henry’

Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’

GATEWAY SIGN AREA

A

Mix of A & B

Gateway Sign AreaAAA BBBB

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Pycnathemum muticum

Juniperus chinensis ‘Blue Vase’ Calamagarostis acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Little Devil’

Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’ Aster oblongifolius ‘October Skies’ Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’

Ilex verticillata ‘Berry Poppins’ Amsonia hubrichtiiJuniperus cvs.

MIX A MIX OF A & BMIX B

AM

SO

NIA

H

UB

RIC

HT

IIR

OS

A R

UG

OS

A

‘AL

BA

’

PH

YS

OC

AR

PU

S

OP

UL

IFO

LIU

S ‘L

ITT

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D

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IL’

AS

TE

R O

BLO

NG

IFO

LIU

S

‘OC

TO

BE

R S

KIE

S’

HE

UC

HE

RA

VIL

LOS

A

‘AU

TU

MN

BR

IDE

’

ITE

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IRG

INIC

A

‘LIT

TL

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EN

RY

’

PY

CN

AT

HE

MU

M

MU

TIC

UM

SE

DU

M R

UP

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‘AN

GE

LIN

A’

JUN

IPE

RU

S C

VS

.

MIS

CA

NT

HU

S S

INE

NS

IS

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RN

ING

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HT

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ILE

X V

ER

TIC

ILL

ATA

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ER

RY

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PP

INS

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NIP

ER

US

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INE

NS

IS

‘BLU

E V

AS

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PE

RO

VS

KIA

A

TR

IPL

ICIF

OL

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AL

AM

AG

AR

OS

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A

CU

TIF

LOR

A ‘K

AR

L

FO

ER

ST

ER

’

8” Granite Curb

24

”

Mix of A & B

61Design Concept


public art opportunities - ddot · opportunities using inspirational images of the ... illustrate a...

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