Midtown Center Plaza activates the urban fabric of downtown Washington, D.C., introducing a 15,000 square foot public plaza and cross-block connection into the dense and built up environment of center city. Diagonal paths recall the L’Enfant Plan for the city, pulling visitors into the central plaza along direct pedestrian routes. Inside the plaza, sculptural forms emerge from the diagonals amid a grove of willow oaks and native shrubs.

A sunken granite fountain creates a cooling and immersive entrance to the building lobby on L street, reflecting light from the patterned soffit above. When seen from the roof terrace, the plaza and paths reflect the radiating urban geometry of Washington, D.C. in miniature. In addition to the public plaza, the design incorporates 28,000 square feet of terraces and a 16,000 square feet extensive green roof that enhance the local environment and contribute to an active downtown.

Images by: Ty Cole