Entering HUD Plaza
Entering from the nearby Metro station, the plaza opens up walking south, away from the corner of D Street and 7th Street SW.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa
A Quiet, Restful Atmosphere
Hugging the east wall of the HUD building, the plaza provides a quiet, restful atmosphere along its interior edge. People watching and transit infrastructure create a more lively edge adjacent to the street.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa
Seating
Circular and semi-circular planters provide seating, and accessible lawn panels to contrast with the architecture. Access to the lawn panel is cleverly notched to provide seating in addition to access.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa
Circular Canopies Act as a Foil
The circular canopies create a foil to the solid circular planters in both form and material. While the planters are built in concrete, the canopies are constructed of lightweight vinyl and "float" on the plaza.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa
Windows to View the Sky
The canopies create impromptu windows to view the sky, clouds, the building, and city.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa
Circulation
Circulation for vehicles and pedestrians blend seamlessly. Bollards of concrete and steel create a family of materials and direct traffic from the parking garage below through the plaza and exit on the adjacent street.
Image: Bethany Carton and Ron Kagawa