Anacostia

Background: More than 300 teams from around the world competed in the 11th Street Bridge Competition, which aimed to transform a former highway bridge into an iconic civic space over the Anacostia River. Design teams were asked to address the following four project goals:1) foster economic development 2) improve public health 3) connect communities on either side of the River and 4) re-engage residents with the River itself. WRT’s proposal, in collaboration with NEXT Architects, was chosen as one of four finalists. Design Concerns: While the intentions of the project are worthy, the underlying premise of the Bridge Park raised questions about program appropriateness and urban context. Among them was the fact that the competi... More