Section 10-A915. UD-3.3 THE DESIGN OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

 

915.1The District should lead the way to good urban design in the way it designs and builds its own public facilities. The design of civic structures should reinforce the District’s image as a forward-looking city that respects historic context while embracing change and innovation. Each library renovation, fire station addition, school modernization, recreation center construction project, and the like should be viewed as an opportunity to create a great civic building and character-defining public space. 915.1

 

915.2Over the next 20 years, transportation infrastructure will provide some of the city’s most important urban design opportunities. The District is already home to one of the world’s great train stations (Union Station), and the Metrorail system itself is an acclaimed piece of transportation architecture. The addition of streetcars, bus rapid transit systems, and their associated stations and stopping points will shape the identity of several neighborhoods in the next two decades. Similarly, the rebuilding of the Anacostia River crossings provides an opportunity for new bridges that become symbolic gateways and skyline icons, rather than the concrete viaducts that exist today. 915.2

 

915.3Policy UD-3.3.1: Capital Improvements and Urban Design

 

Use new capital improvement projects as opportunities to establish a positive image in neighborhoods which currently have poor design identity and negative visual character. 915.3

 

915.4Policy UD-3.3.2: Design Excellence in Public Buildings

 

Require design excellence for all public buildings and public space, with government leading by example to create a more attractive environment in the city and its neighborhoods. Important civic places, such as schools and libraries, should be individually designed to foster community identity and neighborhood character. 915.4

 

915.5  Policy UD-3.3.3: Design of New Public Transit

 

Treat the design of mass transit systems as an important form of public architecture.  Transit shelters, waiting platforms, signage, off-board fare collection, on-street bicycle facilities, pedestrian connections, and other improvements should contribute to citywide urban design goals.

 

915.6  Policy UD-3.3.4: Metro Station Entrances

 

Promote design improvements and public art at transit station entrances and transit stops, providing a stronger sense of arrival and orientation for travelers.

 

915.7Policy UD-3.3.5: Design of Bridges and Infrastructure

 

Promote high quality design and engineering in all infrastructure projects, including bridges and other public works projects. 915.7

 

authority

Pursuant to the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1-306.01 et seq.), the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: District Elements of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (10 DCMR A300 through A2520) (“Comprehensive Plan”).

source

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300) published at 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361) published at 58 DCR 908, 919 (February 4, 2011).

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.