WASHINGTON. DC
In 2007 the National Mall was Washington’s most neglected and underutilized federal property, despite being well-known and treasured.”[1]
In this proposal, the National Mall has been transformed into a gathering space for this era of social-distancing – it has been brought back to life as a place to be used and enjoyed in the heart of Washington DC. “L’Enfant’s plan described it as a ‘place of general resort’ for the enjoyment of the people.”[2] However, it often remains un-used, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures are 90+ degrees, and there is no shade to be found beyond the surrounding trees.
A grid of LED lighting spaced 6’ apart was created to define general social-distancing zones. Umbrellas of different sizes and colors were then placed within the grid, defining areas for gatherings of different scales – 6’ umbrellas for individuals or couples, 12’ umbrellas for small groups, and 24’ umbrellas for larger groups. The umbrellas also provide shade, allowing the Mall to become the park that it was designed to be. Night use will be welcome, as the glow of the grid will maintain social-distancing parameters. The view of the monuments from the Mall at night is one of the most memorable experiences in Washington DC, and this will allow more people to enjoy it.
Each umbrella contains a built-in bench, with a sanitizer station, and when not in use, the umbrellas fold up and out of the way. The pathways along the sides of the Mall are divided into separate “lanes” according to the speed of the user: walking, jogging, and bike or scooter lanes are each spaced 6’ apart.
The “Post-Pandemic” plan removes umbrellas from the middle, allowing for larger gatherings, including festivals, soccer or kickball games, or rallies/protests once social-distancing requirements are lifted. However, the umbrellas remain around the edges, as shaded seating, picnic, and gathering areas.
In this proposal, the National Mall has been transformed into a gathering space for this era of social-distancing – it has been brought back to life as a place to be used and enjoyed in the heart of Washington DC. “L’Enfant’s plan described it as a ‘place of general resort’ for the enjoyment of the people.”[2] However, it often remains un-used, especially in the hot summer months when temperatures are 90+ degrees, and there is no shade to be found beyond the surrounding trees.
A grid of LED lighting spaced 6’ apart was created to define general social-distancing zones. Umbrellas of different sizes and colors were then placed within the grid, defining areas for gatherings of different scales – 6’ umbrellas for individuals or couples, 12’ umbrellas for small groups, and 24’ umbrellas for larger groups. The umbrellas also provide shade, allowing the Mall to become the park that it was designed to be. Night use will be welcome, as the glow of the grid will maintain social-distancing parameters. The view of the monuments from the Mall at night is one of the most memorable experiences in Washington DC, and this will allow more people to enjoy it.
Each umbrella contains a built-in bench, with a sanitizer station, and when not in use, the umbrellas fold up and out of the way. The pathways along the sides of the Mall are divided into separate “lanes” according to the speed of the user: walking, jogging, and bike or scooter lanes are each spaced 6’ apart.
The “Post-Pandemic” plan removes umbrellas from the middle, allowing for larger gatherings, including festivals, soccer or kickball games, or rallies/protests once social-distancing requirements are lifted. However, the umbrellas remain around the edges, as shaded seating, picnic, and gathering areas.
