Georgetown Waterfront Urban Design Studio - 2019

GEORGE TOWN W AT E R FRONT A Collaborative

Photo by Sam Kittner for Georgetown BID

Urban design studio

This studio is dedicated to Grisol Ramirez, a 2018 Collaboration Studio Student and Cal Poly Pomona Landscape Architecture Alumni, who loved deeply, envisioned her dreams fully and whole-heartedly engaged endless possibilities of connecting people and landscape.

Sponsored by DC OFFIce of planning Josh Silver - Studio Coordinator +

Lead Planner for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

Georgetown Business improvement district Joe Sternlieb - CEO + President Jamie Scott - Director of Planning and Economic Development

Georgetown Heritage Scott Walzak -Georgetown Canal Plan Project Manager

in collaboration with Cal Poly Pomona Ray Senes - Studio Instructor + Professor Andrew Wilcox - Department Chair + Professor Michael Woo - Dean, College Of Environmental Design Jenkins Shannon - Senior Director of Development

swa group - laguna beach Sean O’Malley - Managing Principal Andrew Watkins - Principal Evan Lee - Studio Coordinator + Associate Daniel Dobson - Associate Natasha Harkison - Associate Chris Anderson Elvis Wong Lyn Kim

HSEMA DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Nickea Bradley - State Hazard Mitigation Officer

GEORGE TOWN W AT E R FRONT

Urban design studio JANUARY - MAY 2019 A student exploration in developing a vision that explores resilient strategies to integrate public space, an established layered architectural framework and historic hydrologic systems in Georgetown, Washington DC.

This document is prepared by SWA Group Laguna Beach.

Photo by Sam Kittner for Georgetown BID

table of contents

BACKGROUND

8

SITE + CONTEXT

10

STUDIO GOALS

12

STUDIO PHASES

14

SEMESTER SCHEDULE

15

MEET THE STUDIO

16

STUDIO PROCESS

22

TRAVELING TO GEORGETOWN

24

SITE EXPLORATION

26

FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES

28

Timeline

30

Mapping

32

CONCEPT DESIGN/ STUDIO SUMMARY

40

42

Hydrology

Ecology

46

Placemaking

48

Connectivity

52

Transportation

54

Pedestrian experience

56

CONCEPT DESIGN/ PROJECTS

58

Breakwater islands

60

Plateau

80

96

Nested in the hills

Nacre

114

Connecting georgetown

134

Welcoming the water

152

A New Horizon

174

Flux

192

NEXT STEPS

208

background The Georgetown Waterfront, flanked by the elevated Whitehurst Freeway, has the potential to reemerge as the historic heart of Georgetown. Georgetown, platted in 1751, was a thriving tobacco port from 1751 to 1827, with warehouses lining the Potomac River’s edge. Georgetown was also a center for milling, since the easy availability of water power from the Potomac and the neighboring Rock Creek made it a profitable business. Georgetown today is a part of the District of Columbia and sits along the edge of the Potomac River between Rock Creek to the east and Glover Archbold Park to the west. The total household expenditures in Georgetown are above the national average and the median age resident is 29 years old. Georgetown is 750 acres in size with a population of 31,200. The primary commercial corridors of Georgetown are the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, which contain high end shops, bars, restaurants, and the Georgetown Park enclosed shopping mall, as well as the Washington Harbour waterfront restaurants at K Street, between 30th and 31st Streets.

Georgetown has limited public open space available for its residents in the heart of the neighborhood, hence, the Georgetown Waterfront edge is cherished and presently used as a recreation area for canoeing and collegiate crew racing and practice.

The waterfront concurrently has also experienced intermediate flooding in recent years, impacting local economics and ecology as well as social/recreational uses along the water’s edge. In order to protect the surrounding developments and properties, new innovative solutions can be established at the site level, relinquishing the need for costly installations that rely on preemptive action.

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On April 17, 2011 heavy rains and strong high tide caused the Potomac River to overflow resulting in severe damage to Washington Harbour due to the floodgates not being raised.

Vision | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

The Potomac River water line raised by 10 to 12 feet during the April 17, 2011 high tide.

The renovation created a seasonal event space protected by the existing flood gates.

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ST 3 3rd

BR ID GE SC OT T

KE Y

WH IT EH UR ST FR EE WA Y

FR AN CI S

Georgetown Waterfront Park

SITE + CONTEXT

Key Areas of Study: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

PO TOM AC RIV ER

Georgetown Waterfront Park Washington Harbour K Street Whitehurst Highway Thomas Jefferson Street M Street

Theodore Roosevelt Island

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S T R E E T

2 9 t h

S T

S T

J E F F E RSO N

( B E LO W )

Washington Harbour

Harbourside

House of Sweden

R

O

C

K

C

R

EE

C&O Canal Mile Marker 0

K

Vision | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

S T R E E T

3 0 t h

S T 3 1 s t K

T H O M A S

C & O C A N A L T O W PAT H

W I S C O N S I N

AV E

ST

M

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studio goals The Senior Capstone Studio at Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Environmental Design Department of Landscape Architecture is a unique collaborative model. The studio allowed fourth-year undergraduate students the benefit of working with a professional firm on a multi-layered urban design intervention, under the direction of a project client team, assembled through the DC Office of Planning.

The capstone studio team goals were inspired through a comprehensive vision that explored resilient design strategies which simultaneously integrated equitable public space, an established layered architectural framework and the management of historic complex hydrologic systems in Georgetown, Washington DC. The resulting Georgetown waterfront design interventions, developed by eight teams of students, ultimately revealed a multitude of diverse analysis and placemaking ideas – eight alternatives where ecology and public life could coexist.

The Capstone Studio’s goals and objectives were to rethink Georgetown’s Potomac River Edge and create shared prosperity to proactively protect against the dual threat of sea level rise and flooding. The design interventions resulted from delving into historic research, analysis and case study precedents that established a basis for resilient change, environmental stewardship, and the enabling of adaption over time, while succeeding in raising the quality of life for all inhabiting the space.

Urban design strategies and a framework narrative created design solutions at both a contextual and site scale level, developing real world applications that lifted the Georgetown Waterfront to new elevations and purpose, allowing for ecology to persist, evolve, reconnect and expand for future generations to come.

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While this studio applied concepts in a real world environment, the vision and specific projects developed in this studio course do not reflect any current or future planning scenarios and do not represent recommendations for action by the Georgetown BID, Georgetown Heritage, DC Office of Planning, or any individual property owner. Students in the studio were encouraged to explore all possibilities and question the existing urban fabric of Georgetown. Their solutions are conceptual in nature and reflect a ‘what if’ scenario that would work towards the studio goals of solving for rising sea levels and creating shared prosperity.

Vision | Georgetown Waterfront Studio Photo by Sam Kittner for Georgetown BID

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studio PHASES The studio is comprised of two major phases. Phase 1 focuses on background analysis and site inventory. Phase 2 contains the concept design work of the georgetown waterfront and integration to lower georgetown.

Phase 1

STAGE 1: Graphic timeline STAGE 2: Site Mapping STAGE 3: Case Studies

Phase 2

STAGE 4: FRAMEWORK STRATEGIES STAGE 5: Site conceptual Designs STAGE 6: Technical procedures

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semester schedule Project Introduction + Research - Week One: Jan. 23 - Jan. 25 Research + Analysis // Site Mapping - Week Two: Jan. 28 - Feb. 1 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Research + Analysis // Site Mapping - Week Three: Feb. 4 - Feb. 8 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Field Trip - Week Four: Feb. 11 - Feb. 17 Students + SWA in DC Case Study + Framework Strategies - Week Five: Feb. 18 - Feb. 22 Framework Argument + Strategies - Week Six: Feb. 25 - Mar. 1 Charrette at SWA Framework Design - Week Seven: Mar. 4 - Mar. 8 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Review at SWA Framework Design Adjustments + Site Design - Week Nine: Mar. 18 - Mar. 22 Site Conceptual Design - Week Ten: Mar. 25 - Mar. 29 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Design Development + Technical Procedures - Week Eleven: Apr. 8 - Apr. 12 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Design Development + Site Design Refinement - Week Twelve: Apr. 15 - Apr. 19 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Design Development + Site Design Refinement - Week Thirteen: Apr. 22 - Apr. 26 Project Draft Delivery - Week Fourteen: Apr. 29 - May 3 Students at SWA Project Final Delivery - Week Fifteen: May 6 - May 10 SWA at Cal Poly Pomona Project Presentation in DC - Week Sixteen: May 13 - May 17

Studio Background | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Midterm Review - Week Eight: Mar. 11 - Mar 15

Students in DC

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meet the studio

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Adrian Alvarado

aldo rayas

I was born and raised in the Palm Springs area of California. I am receiving my Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona and have learned a lot about landscape architectural process in studio and in school. I most enjoy learning about the complex, detailed and technical aspects of landscape design and how the development aspect of a design project is carried out. I look forward to assisting, experiencing and learning more as I enter the field, practicing Landscape Architecture in a professional environment.

I enjoy all things about the design process; from visualizing an idea, to developing it and to finally drawing it so that these ideas can be built well. I do prefer to do more technical hands-on work out in the field and my future will likely be envisioning, crafting and constructing landscape architecture on site.

I was born and raised in Compton, California. Growing up in Compton has made me realize how neighboring cities in Los Angeles can be so different from one another. I soon realized that my city was being underserved and the community was being adversely affected by this.

Studying Landscape Architecture has helped me identify some of these factors. In order to help my community and others alike, I know that the social amenities and infrastructure that a city provides must change. My design approach is providing space that is equitable for all and provides positive opportunities for community growth. I learned a great deal about approaching these complex issues and more during my studies at Cal Poly Pomona and will continually develop my stances in my future career.

BRANDON TANG

I am from San Diego, California and started my academic career in Community College, where I studied Architecture. After four years, I transferred into the Landscape Architecture Program at Cal Poly Pomona. I have a strong interest in the process of design and how design can affect people experientially. I also love and enjoy sketching, as it is a strong part of my design process. I strongly believe in the process of designing and that inspired design is not about being perfect, but rather it’s about always learning new and intentioned ways to see and address complex problems. I also plan to further my design education by ultimately pursuing a master’s degree in architecture in the future.

I got into Landscape Architecture out of pure luck, and it turned out to be one of my best choices I have ever made in my life. Landscape is something that not everyone experiences in the same fashion, but I enjoy working closely with other studio mates, professors, and also am passionate about ideas and allowing them, through process, to develop into a meaningful design that people can inhabit and enjoy. Going through the studio/education process at Cal Poly Pomona opened my eyes wider to fully see and experience more that the world has to offer, through travel and participating in studio work. By understanding the smaller details, I began to realize what makes landscape so great and inspired. If anyone is interested Landscape Architecture, I would say just take a leap of faith, think deeply and work hard. You never know what can come out of it.

sergio carrillo

saul navarro

I am originally from MazatlĂĄn Mexico. I moved to Southern California at the age of 3 and have been living here since. My discovery of landscape architecture came during my senior year in high school while I was researching schools for architecture. I had been taking drafting for four years straight with the idea that I was going to continue my studies in architecture. I was also intrigued by the idea of designing outdoor environments and quickly changed my focus to landscape architecture. Presently I am interested in projects where the landscape and architecture embed themselves with one another, relate and create a unified design. My other interests include engaging and developing graphics that visually communicate a project from its conceptual phase to construction detailing. Aside from design, I like to spend my time playing bass guitar, drums, and riding my motorcycle throughout Southern California.

I am thirty years old and was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. My parents are originally from Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, Mexico. I am the youngest of four siblings. We are a very united family and we are always there for each other. My family has given me full support in any endeavor I pursue, particularly as it pertains to my education. At a young age I was fascinated by art as storytelling; whether It was through illustration, cinema, or music.

Drawing became a hobby of mine. I eventually was designing outdoor places where people were socially interacting and experiencing the environment. Landscape architecture has given me the opportunity to further explore the capability of designing real world outdoor experiences for people to inhabit so they may create their own stories.

Meet the Studio | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Adrian CRUZ

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ERIC DUENAS

GIOVANNY LOZADA

I studied landscape architecture at Cal Poly Pomona and am open to working with others and collaborating on large scale projects, which is my interest. I am persistent in both engaging and addressing the best solutions for complex problems, regardless of the many diverse issues and obstacles inherent in the present world. I am also curious to infuse and integrate architecture with the surrounding landscape environment, in order to create public spaces for people, where they can come in contact with each other, meet and interact in the landscape. I am best recognized for developing intricate linework as design form and I often seek to envision quick sketch concepts that can show and/or reveal human scale, context, public life, light/shadow, form and space in the landscape.

I’m a first-generation Mexican American graduating from Cal Poly Pomona and I have always lived in Southern California. The oldest of five children I have always tried to set a good example for my siblings.

This study of Landscape Architecture has changed the way I see everyday things. It has taken me places where I never thought I would go and challenged me on how I think about design and landscape.

I hope one day to build upon my training at Cal Poly Pomona and create projects that will be built, so that I can see people explore and experience meaningful places and think in depth why I chose to design a space in a certain way. In the future, my goal is to create places that entertain, provide joy for people and that challenge as well as inspire those who use and explore the landscape.

HERBERT TJUATJADARMA

ISAAC ARANDIA

Born and raised in Indonesia, I came to the United States in the hopes of gaining and expanding my experiences and knowledge. Having experienced architecture classes for a couple of years, I felt stagnant.

I decided to explore landscape architecture without really knowing what the field was all about. Long story short, I fell in love with it.

Landscape architecture is a rich, exciting and complex field of study.

By obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, I aspire to take these lessons and insights learned at Cal Poly Pomona and implement them in Indonesia, in order to ultimately create more sustainable places in my home country for people.

I am a native Angeleno, community and self-advocate as well as a running/hiking and outdoor enthusiast. I am also a challenger of the design status quo. I am an individual that takes pride in the nuances of my everyday life, for this is the very thing that has cultivated my identity and goals I set for myself today as an inquisitive scholar and landscape designer. Surrounded by infrastructural giants, complex, living systems, and the intricacies of a metropolis, I grew up with a thirst for knowledge. Stemming from my initial interest in nature, the built environment, and art, I pursued Landscape Architecture as a discipline that enabled me to think innovatively in the pragmatic language of systems. Landscape Architecture has cultivated my drive for challenging the status quo, specifically in design aesthetics and its school of thought.

JOE MARTINEZ

I am a first-generation college graduate for my family. Landscape Architecture is not my first degree. I obtained prior an Associate of Science in Interior Architectural Design. This was the first step in my educational journey and introduced me to the field of design. It didn’t take long after transferring to Cal Poly Pomona’s Department of Landscape Architecture to realize that I had a lot to learn. Being part of the department has taught me to think critically and to design with resiliency and equity in mind. As the daughter of a general contractor it is not surprising to me that design has become part of my life.

Growing up, I have been hands on in the field and an interest sparked.

This enabled me to explore other forms of design that would allow me to give back to my father and his trade.

I am 26 years old and I’m graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. The most crucial aspect about my experience in learning landscape design over the past several years is that I enjoy and am passionate about bringing ideas to life – developing initial drawings, renderings and/or model making through a design process into complex living, socially active and ecologically intentioned places. When designing I discovered that no good and grounded idea is a wrong, it’s just a matter of how you back it up and communicate it – orally, graphically and in written form. I enjoy addressing complex problems and taking something that no one initially understands to ultimately making it real with my hands. This is my passion.

JOEL HERNANDEZ

JOSE FERNANDEZ

Living in Southern California for the past six years has opened my eyes to many diverse, local landscapes. Being in the Landscape Architecture program at Cal Poly Pomona has led me to meeting incredible classmates and faculty that provided me the opportunity to learn and travel. Every year was a new challenge and each studio gave me the chance to explore my creativity and new ideas. My knowledge base expanded. Coming from a small town in the central valley, my world always revolved around hard working people. As a result, I wanted to become a Landscape Architect and work with my hands. My journey shifted over the years from becoming a teacher to studying Civil engineering to Landscape Architecture. My future goals are part time designing, to continue working in my family’s masonry business, to find Landscape internship opportunities to further my knowledge and to ultimately open a nursery to grow my family’s business expanding it with a Landscape department.

I have a passion for equestrian studies and exploring the outdoors.

I am inspired by the diverse landscape I experience around me every day. Because of these inspirations and interests, I pursued a career in Landscape Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona. After receiving my Associates of Science in Architecture, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona where I was able to study abroad in my last year of undergraduate studies in Italy and ultimately received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. During my time in the landscape architecture program I explored different mediums to aid in communicating my ideas graphically in inspired ways. I also engaged in and learned from studios that pursued a wide range of project types in order to express my landscape designs.

Meet the Studio | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

JASMIN AGUIRRE

19

tatsu suenaga I am an international student from Japan who pursues complex design driven projects for the purpose of learning and training to be a professional landscape architect. During my time at Cal Poly Pomona, I have critically and deeply developed my imagination and ideas to generate and discover innovative landscape designing. My design process begins from discovering a hidden element of the site, and through craft, revealing as well as developing it through sketching and modelling. This is my process. My main goal in the future is to seek and engage meaningful and intentioned design solutions to complex problems and continue to study and learn more about the field as I begin to engage professional practice.

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Rick carrillo

I was born in 1992 and grew up in Northern California where I went to high school at Berean Christian High School in Walnut Creek. While there, I played club volleyball as well as volleyball for the varsity team there all four years. After graduating I decided to go to junior college so I could work and still play volleyball for a travel team. Once I felt I was ready, I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona where I chose the major of Landscape Architecture. The reason why I chose that major is because my father is an electrical contractor and I have worked with him from a very young age. While working with him I learned many skills, but most of all I developed an affinity for outdoor spaces and the process of creating them. My strengths are in digital and technical aspects of the design process, which I enjoy. I graduate in Spring of 2019 and look forward to what life has to offer next in landscape architecture practice.

Photo by Sam Kittner for Georgetown BID

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Meet the Studio | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

studio process For the seventh annual year, the Laguna Beach Office of SWA Group assisted in collaborating with the Cal Poly Pomona Department of Landscape Architecture to assist in a urban design studio with the 4th year students. This collaboration allows the students to activity communicate and participate with a professional design firm. On a weekly basis, designers from SWA open up their office or travel to the University studio to allow the students to present their latest ideas. During the semester, a series of design charrettes and presentations hosted in the SWA office introduce major themes and elements of the urban design process.

Students are encouraged to think critically and support their design ideas. SWA’s designers are intented to challenge the students understanding of their own projects, leading to a reiterative process that leads to more engaging and meaningful design solutions.

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Studio Process | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Traveling to georgetown Though the generous donations of Georgetown BID, DC Office of Planning, and the Southern California landscape industry, the students of the urban design studio were able to travel to across the country at no out of pocket cost. This contribution provided for a week-long visit to the east coast including Georgetown, DC Metro, and New York City.

This unique partnership between academia, a professional design office, city planning, and the landscape industry creates opportunities to explore urban design problems that are beyond the university campus and surrounding neighborhoods of Southern California.

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contributors DC Office of Planning - Josh Silver Georgetown Business Improvement District - Jamie Scott

From the landscape industry QCP - Scott Ulrich Belgard, Old Castle - Garritt Visser Bison Innovative Products - Matt McClaugherty Coast Recreation - Gregg Rogers Coldspring - Craig Gerber David Silverman + Associates - Mary Kay Shaefer + Trent Walker Glasir Design - Chris Curry Rain Bird International, Inc. - Greg Steele Site One - Ryan Griffin Tri-C Enterprises - Marilyn Chambers Hunter Irrigation - Nick Straabe Buzon USA West LLC - Erik Nelson Acker-Stone Industries Inc. - Mike Millard SITIO Landscape Architecture

Traveling to Georgetown | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

from georgetown

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site exploration The trip to Washington D.C. allows the collective studio to see, vision and investigate the Georgetown Waterfront Edge and Canal, compile information through data collection, sketching, photography and research and begin to analyze the topic’s complex social, urban, environmental, economic, aesthetic and political/regulatory issues, while concurrently proving or disproving their initial assumptions revealed through a prior multi-layered mapping studio investigation.

Students walk the historic C&O Tow Path lead by Scott Walzak from Georgetown Heritage.

The visit also allows for a number of consults with numerous experts in the field, visits to precedent projects in the Georgetown area, lectures from professionals experienced in resilient design and discussions with local property owners within the boundaries of the project site. Concluding the trip in New York City exposes the studio to a number of relevant projects designed by well known experts in the field of resilient design, in a similar regional context.

The initial site visit exposes students to the potential flood conditions along the boardwalk.

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A series of guest speakers introduce students to flood prevention strategies and mitigation.

Traveling to Georgetown | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Under Whitehurst Freeway on K Street, students discuss implications of the industrial infrastructure.

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phase one

FRamework strategies 28

Several research and analysis based assignments were completed in order to better understand the site conditions and history of Georgetown. Various diagrams were created and used to inform the students of the site constraints. These studies would later act as a foundation for subsequent conceptual designs.

01 timeline

03 mapping/ built environment

Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

02 mapping/ natural environment

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timeline

VISIONING GEORGETOWN’S WATERFRONT 1800’S FLOODS The Summer April & The April Flood of The July Flood of The October 1800’S The Flood of September 1852 1846 The Great Flood The Great1860-1862 Flood The September The November The April & Flood May of 1847 Flood of 1843 FLOODS of 1889 of 1890 Flood of 1870 Flood of 1877 Flood of 1886

The Summer Flood of 1860-1862

The April Flood of 1852

First sewer system in Washington DC

Ninian Beall (Scotsman The Alexandria landowner) Aqueduct Bridge was developed built, Georgetown connecting a canal from Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia.

The Maryland Legislature purchased and officially named the land of Georgetown

17 51 3

Ninian Beall (Scotsman landowner) developed Georgetown The Alexandria Construction of Aqueduct Bridge the Chesapeake The Maryland and Ohio Canal was built, Legislature connecting a canal began purchased and from Georgetown to officially named the Rosslyn, Virginia. land of Georgetown First sewer system in Washington DC

As part of the preliminary site research, students collaborated in small groups to research a specific aspects of the history of Georgetown Waterfront. This timeline would begin at the original founding of Georgetown and continue through present day. This timeline focuses on the development of the Waterfront and connects to the surrounding neighborhoods. The secondary purpose of the timeline is show the evolution in flood conditions, the expansion of the flood plain, and impact zones.

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19 3

2

18 3

18 10 18 28

17 0 The Maryland Legislature purchased and officially named the land of Georgetown

17 51

18 1373 03

18 10 18 28

3 17 0

17 51

Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began

Ninian Beall (Scotsman landowner) developed Georgetown

The Septe

Flood of 1900 FLOO

3

The October Flood of 1847

18 3

The July Flood of 1846

18 10 18 28

The April & September Flood of 1843

3

1800’S FLOODS

The April & September Flood of 184

Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began

First sewer system in Washington DC

The Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge was built, connecting a canal from Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia.

Untreated wa from metropol area populati are flowing in the Potomac R

The Great Flood of 1889

The 1918 Flood

1900’S FLOODS

The Great Flood of 1890

The Great Potomac

The Record Flood of 1942 The Hurricane

Isabel Flood

The September Flood of 1870

The November Flood of 1877

The Great Potomac Flood of 1936

The Record Flood of 1942

2000’S FLOODS

The Great Flood of 1889

The April & May Flood of 1886

Hurricane Agnes The Federal Water The February Pollution Control Act Flood of 1984 (Clean Water Act)

The Hurricane Isabel Flood

Federal Triangle Flash Flood

The Great Flood of 1890

The November Flood of 1985

The Great Georgetown Flood of 2011.

Georgetown Waterfront Park completed

The first Federal Water Pollution Control Act

Potomac River is Potomac declared unsafe River is for swimming. selected as The first waste an American water treatment Heritage plant on the The D.C. Council Georgetown River prohibits water urbanNorth Branch is The American Oil sports pipeline completed contact in redevelopment ruptured and the Potomac. beganShad Restoration spilled over is The WhitehurstProject Urban sediment 400,000 gallonsFreeway was successfully a major concern. restored the of diesel fuel intobuilt population of the Potomac River The first Federal historic local fish Blue Plains starts Water Pollution removing chlorine Control Act to imporve ecology in the Potomac River

0 19 8 8 19 9

3 19 9

20 11

19 8

8

19 71

19 57 19 61

19 3 The Whitehurst Freeway was built

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Historical Park is established

U fr a a Potom th Geo River urba selec rede an A beg Herit River

The D.C. Council prohibits water contact sports in the Potomac.

Urban sediment is a major concern.

Oil pipeline ruptured and The Great spilled over Georgetown 400,000 gallons Flood of 2011. of diesel fuel into Georgetown the Potomac River Waterfront Park completedBlue Plains starts removing chlorine to imporve ecology in the Potomac River

Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Chesapeake and OhioUntreated Canal wastes Historical Park is from metropolitan established area population are flowing into theis Potomac River Potomac River declared unsafe Georgetown for swimming. urban The first waste redevelopment water treatment began plant on the North Branch is completed

8 19 20 80 02

8 19 19 71 93

19 8

19 57 19 61

The Alexandria Aqueduct Bridge was built, connecting a canal from Georgetown to Rosslyn, Virginia.

completed

The first Federal Water Pollution Control Act

The Flood of 1924

19 4

2 Chesapeake and Ohio Canal The Maryland Historical Park isFirst sewer system Legislature in Washington DC established purchased and officially named the Untreated wastes Potomac River is land of Georgetown from metropolitan The D.C. Council declared unsafe area population prohibits water for swimming. are flowingcontact into sports in The first waste the PotomactheRiver Potomac. water treatment Urban sediment is plant on the a major concern.

North Branch is

The Whitehurst Freeway was built

The 1918 Flood Government Shutdown. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built

The Summer Flood of 1860-1862

Hurricane Agnes The Federal Water The November The TheFebruary Great Georgetown Pollution Control Act Flood Flood of 1985 Floodofof1984 2011.

Federal Triangle (Clean Water Act) Georgetown Waterfront Flash Flood Park completed

19 3 Construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal began

1919 804 9

8 19 4

19 71

19 3

2

astes litan ion nto River

19 57 19 61

9 19 4

Ninian Beall (Scotsman landowner) developed Georgetown

The April Flood of 1852

3

2000’S Flood of 1936 FLOODS

The October Flood of 1847

8 19 49

1900’S FLOODS

The April & May Flood of 1886

The July Flood of 1846

19 9

The November Flood of 1877

Government The Flood of The Great Flood Hurricane Agnes Shutdown. The 1924 of 1890 The Federal Water The February The Record Francis Scott The KeyNovember Pollution Control Act Flood ofBridge Flood of 1985 1984 was built Flood of 1942 (Clean Water Act)

17 51

3

1924

The Great Flood Great ofThe 1889 Potomac Flood of 1936

The September Flood of 1870

The April & September Flood of 1843

18 3

The April & May Flood 1886 The of Flood of

The Summer Flood of 1860-1862

18 10 18 28

The Flood The1918 November Government Flood of 1877 Shutdown. The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built

The April Flood of 1852

17 0

0’S ODS

The October Flood of 1847

8

ember 1870

The July Flood of 1846

19 4

43

1800’S FLOODS

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mapping

natural environment flood boundary

Current Condition

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100 year flood

500 year flood

tidal flow By analyzing the site and mapping and studying layers of site factors, such as circulation, climatology, geology, connections, hydrography, land use, demographics, and ecology the initial project goal would be to create a valid framework argument and water story that solidifies a contemporary ecological vision and justifies the project’s intention.

topography

Beyond the monuments and memorials, there exists a vibrant community, historic federalstyle architecture, human-scaled cobblestone streets, vibrant local businesses and an existing waterfront park that the studio envisions as ultimately re-embracing water that has been so much a part of the Georgetown’s past and present identity.

Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

The Capstone Landscape Architecture Studio at Cal Poly Pomona seeks then to reshape Georgetown’s Potomac River Edge with a resilient urban design strategy that will mediate flooding damage by working with, not against the hydrological cycle through revitalizing natural systems and embracing water, rather than walling it away.

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aQUATIC VEGETATION

fLOOD PLAIN SECTION

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Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

mapping

built environment LAND USE

In a region known for its notable historic landmarks, there exists Washington DC’s oldest neighborhood, known as Georgetown.

Founded as a port town in 1751 for its accessibility of trading goods along the Potomac River and The C&O Canal, Georgetown today still identifies as a city impacted by water. The effects of climate change have led to more frequent

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and intense storm events and rising river levels that have caused Lower Georgetown’s waterfront edge to be affected by severe flooding. Flooding will continue to occur because of the outdated infrastructure, consisting of flood walls and drainage systems, that have become over whelmed with the amount of water rising into lower Georgetown.

Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

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BUILDING FOOTPRINT

HEAT ISLAND

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FIGURE GROUND

Potomac River

Framework Strategies | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

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phase two

concept design / studio summary 40

Students in the studio were encouraged to explore all possibilities and question the existing urban fabric of Georgetown. Their solutions are conceptual in nature and do not reflect any current planning initiative,redevelopment plans, or recommendations by the Georgetown BID, Georgetown Heritage, DC Office of Planning, or any private property owner. The designs reflect a ‘what if’ scenario that would work towards the studio goals of solving for rising sea levels and reconnecting the pedestrian experience.

In teams of two, the students looked at lower Georgetown holistically in order to address various issues according to several categories.

Collectively, the student work is summarized based on these topics.

01 hydrology 02 ecology

04 connectivity 05 transportation 06 pedestrian experience

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

03 placemaking

41

01

hydrology design concepts alter topography Team Sergio + Saul Project Name Breakwater Islands

42

vary the speed of water Team Adrian + Aldo Project Name Plateau

lif

tin

g

we

tla

nd

cu

t wa

er

sq

ua

fil t+

l

re

create water storage areas

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Rick + Isaac Project Name Nested in the Hills

43

intentionally allow for flooding Team Tatsu + Giovanny Project Name Nacre

elevate the plaza level Team Jasmine + Joel Project Name Connecting Georgetown

44

berm + capture Team Joe + Adrian Project Name Welcoming the Water

CAPTURING

ACCEPT

STORE

CONNECTING

ACCEPT

STORE

CAPTURE CAPTURE

Team Brandon + Herbert Project Name A New Horizon

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

develop in layers + Plan for flooding

45

02

ecology design concepts Establish permanent wetlands Team Sergio + Saul Project Name Breakwater Islands

FLEXIBLE GATHERING SPACES PLANTS ADAPTED TO FLOODING STRESS WILDLIFE NURTURING HABITATS

46

establish areas for ecological succession Team Tatsu + Giovanny Project Name Nacre

5 years

20 years

50 years

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

10 years

47

03

placemaking design concepts develop varied programmed spaces Team Adrian + Aldo Project Name Plateau

RECREATIONAL

48

BOARDWALK

GATHERING

ART

MULTI-MODAL

TRAIL

create new spaces within infrastructure Team Rick + Isaac Project Name Nested in the Hills

establish public space on connector streets Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Joe + Adrian Project Name Welcoming the Water

49

Create an elevated boardwalk Team Brandon + Herbert Project Name A New Horizon

BOARDWALK WEAVING THROUGH A FOREST

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT

50

utilize flooding for recreational activities Team Tatsu + Giovanny Project Name Nacre

reinvision washington Harbour

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Brandon + Herbert Project Name A New Horizon

51

04

connectivity design concepts overlap + connect circulation system Team Adrian + Aldo Project Name Plateau

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clear + safe connections to georgetown Team Jasmine + Joel Project Name Connecting Georgetown

establish pedestrian-only streets

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Joe + Adrian Project Name Welcoming the Water

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05

transportation design concepts use public transporation to connect waterfront Team Adrian + Aldo Project Name Plateau

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create connected bike paths Team Eric + Jose Project Name The Flux

Strategize parking along m street

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Sergio + Saul Project Name Breakwater Islands

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06

pedestrian experience design concepts create a natural edge Team Tatsu + Giovanny Project Name Nacre

Willow Tree

56

Elevate viewpoints and program areas Team Brandon + Herbert Project Name A New Horizon

ELEVATED LAND TO ADDRESS RIVERINE FLOODING

LIFTED WALKWAYS TO CREATE LAYERS OF CIRCULATION

connect the character of georgetown

Studio Summary | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Team Jasmine + Joel Project Name Connecting Georgetown

57

phase two

concept design / projects 58

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

breakwater islands Team 1: Sergio Carrillo + Saul Navarro

Georgetown Breakwater Island proposes redesigning the waterfront edge with a cut and fill strategy. The design crafts layered social spaces and flood protection both through a series of bridged wetlands that capture and filter water and from a redesigned lifted, layered and iconic Washington Harbour.

Georgetown Breakwater Island also employs the same strategies on M Street spaces, becoming flexible extensions of the retail edge with temporary café’s and outdoor seating where eating, conversation and people watching can occur.

Breakwater Island also builds upon the Whitehurst Freeway’s local reputation as the waterfront’s “front porch“ by creating a series of steps, public spaces, decks so the space under the freeway becomes used as a transition from the urban built edge to Georgetown’s Waterfront.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

Flood Types Riverine flooding

Coastal flooding

Interior flooding

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

TOPOGRAPHIC

COMPOSITIONAL

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BUILDING MASSING

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

streets

blocks

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green infrastructure

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PO

Concept Masterplan

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TO

MA

C R IVE R

FL PA

BOARDWALK + DOCKS BEACON

PLAZA RO

CK

CR

EE

LOOD ARK K

FLOOD PARK

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

PIER

29TH STREET

30TH STREET

THOMAS JEFFERSON ST

31ST STREET

WISCONSIN AVE

CANAL

WHITEHURST FREEWAY

HOTEL

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WHITEHURST FREEWAY FRONT PORCH

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WETLAND

landscape + ecology

FLEXIBLE GATHERING SPACES PLANTS ADAPTED TO FLOODING STRESS

15’ 10’ 5’ FLOODABLE TERRACE PARK BOARDWALKS

0’ POTOMAC WATER LEVEL

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

WILDLIFE NURTURING HABITATS

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WAT E R M A N A G E M E N T S T R AT E G I E S

KEY:

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Programming + placemaking

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Plateau

Team 2: Adrian Cruz + Aldo Rayas

Plateau unites the landscape and the architecture through a series of push and pull - layering initiatives. The design creates a series of plateaus that capture water, create multi-use social spaces at the water’s edge, and reconnect commercial and residential areas to the waterfront.

Plateau redefines the water’s edge both to mediate increased flooding events and to reconnect people to the river. Plateau envisions integrated, equitable and sustainable modes of mobility to and from a newly redesigned the Washington Harbour complex, which is broken down in scale and form and lifted up on to a series of bold and carefully sculpted land berms.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

proj ect site

PO TO M AC

RI VE R

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FRAMEWORK STRATEGY

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S i t e c i r c u l at i o n

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

B u i l d i n g s , o p e n s pa c e + C o n n e c t i v i t y

MASSING MODEL

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

connectivity

open space zones

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WH

ITE

HUR

33RD ST

concept masterplan

ST

FRE

E WA

Y

POTOMAC RIVER

RECREATIONAL

88

BOARDWALK

GATHERING

ART

MULTI-MO

ODAL

TRAIL K CR E EK

plaza

amphitheater patio

boathouse

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

ROC

elevated pathway 30TH STREET

THOMAS JEFFERSON ST

31ST STREET

WISCONSIN AVE

CANAL

plaza

WHITEH URST FREEWA Y

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h y d r o l o g i c a l s t r at e g i e s

GEORGETOWN

inf

i

a ltr

tio

n

gr

e

ro en

of

s

wa

90

q rs te

ua

re

tin

tl we

POTOMAC RIVER an

il +f t cu

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

lif g

d

l

91

u r b a n e c o l o gy fauna

urban forest

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flora

complete streets

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

wetland

elevated pathway

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

nestled in the hills Team 3: Rick Carrillo + Isaac Arandia

Nestled in the Hills re-envisions the Washington Harbour and the landform as one gesture through constructing a series of bold, articulated and undulating land berms and a new Washington Harbour building, as an extension of the land.

Nestled in the Hills’ new building is a series of circular interlocking forms, creating enclosed interior parks, while allowing a multitude of vantage points out of the building’s curved facade. The waterfront park is nestled into these landforms, creating a series of public interconnected rooms. The landforms embrace, lift and shelter from raising flood waters, while also providing places for higher ground, where social activity would occur.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

design framework

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PO

TO

MA

C R IVE R

S E C O N D A RY C I R C U L AT I O N P R I M A RY C I R C U L AT I O N

PO

TO

MA

GREEN STREET

C R IVE R

MAIN ROAD BIKE LANE

TO

MA

C R IVE R

+30’ +20-29’ +10-19’ +0-9’

PO

TO

MA

C R IVE R

PA S S I V E A C T I V E R E C R E AT I O N

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

TOPOGRAPHY PROGRAMMING

PO

99

Building massing + typologies

BUILDING ON GROUND

UNDER SLOPE

BRIDGING VALLEY

100

OVER GROUND

UNDER HILL

ON HILL

ALONG RIDGE

OVER

SUBTRACT, PHYSICAL RELATION

CANTILEVERED

ENCLOSURE + ARCHITECTURE

ENCLOSURE + LANDSCAPE

UNDERGROUND

IN HILL

VALLEY

IN SLOPE

AROUND THE HILL

ON FLAT

BERM AS A PROTECTION

ENCLOSURE + EMBRACE

ON FLAT

OVER SLOPE

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

IN GROUND

SYNAPTIC INTEGRATION

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concept masterplan

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wa s h i n g t o n H A R B O U R

mobius 3

mobius 1 central mobius

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

mobius 2

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h y d r o l o g i c a l s t r at e g i e s

Green streets 104

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

flood berms

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

nacre

Team 4: Tatsu Suenaga + Giovanny Lozada

Nacre envisions increased flooding as an opportunity to improve the local ecology through incrementally establishing layers of landscape. These layers will ultimately form a richer ecosystem by embracing water, which will build resiliency over time.

Nacre considers this strategy a process that will constantly evolve as time passes, adding more green space within the city and addressing increasing temperatures and water pollution from runoff by collecting, absorbing and filtering water. Nacre is also designed as equitable to bring people to the waterfront. The increased density of vegetation over time will provide cover and define passive and active social spaces, promoting more varied experiences for people.

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PROJECT 4:

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

wat e r a n a lys i s FLOODPLAIN

POTOMAC RIVER

FLOOD ISSUES

POTOMAC RIVER

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WATER FLOW DIRECTION

POTOMAC RIVER

20 YEAR FLOOD

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

5 YEAR FLOOD

10 YEAR FLOOD

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l ay e r i n g m e t h o d s

POTOMAC RIVER

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WH

ITE

HUR

ST

FRE

E WA

Y

concept masterplan

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33RD ST

CANAL

POTOMAC RIVER

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

RO

CK

CR

EE

K

WHITEH URST FREEWA Y

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30TH STREET

THOMAS JEFFERSON ST

31ST STREET

WISCONSIN AVE

design matrix

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restore wetlands

boardwalk

bank stabilization

phytoremediation

cut + fill

cut + fill

erosion + accumulation

urban forestation

urban forestation

bioretention cell

riparian habitat

riparian habitat

ecological succession

5 years

20 years

50 years

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

10 years

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ENLARGED SECTION

ENLARGEMENT AREA

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

relationship between edge condition + wetland

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flood resistant building

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

n e w e x p e r i e n c e at wat e r f r o n t

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i n t e r a c t i o n w i t h wat e r

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wa l k way a l o n g t h e p o t o m a c r i v e r

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

CONNECTING GEORGETOWN Team 5: Jasmin Aguirre + Joel Hernandez

Connecting Georgetown converts Thomas Jefferson Street into a multi-purpose use linear park that creates a direct north/ south linear park connection for people to interact within and enjoy. The design also recreates the original waterfront vision of bringing boats into the Washington Harbour complex.

Connecting Georgetown amends the existing building by closing its first floor, allowing for this floor to act as a sea wall. The landscape is comprised of wetlands and land berms to slow, absorb and filter rising flood waters.

Connecting Georgetown also proposes a new retail pedestrian scaled corridor and enhanced central plaza on the Harbour’s current second floor, where people are able to view the entire waterfront.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

topographical strategy

EXISTING CONDITION: BELOW RIVER LEVEL

PROPOSED STRATEGY: ELEVATE TO CURRENT GRADE

PROPOSED STRATEGY: ADDITIONAL INTEGRATED STRUCTURAL ELEVATION

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compositional strategy

GATHERING

KNOLLS DIVERTED RIVER

TWO WAY AUTOMOTIVE TRAFFIC

PO TO M

AC

RI

VE

R

GREEN CONNECTION DETAIL CORRIDOR

LAWN BERM

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

DIVERTED RIVER

137

circulation and mobility

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

BUILDING ACCESS ANALYSIS

CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ACCESS

STREET DESIGN

139

concept masterPLAN

WATERFRONT PARK

PROPOSED WATERFRONT CANAL

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NEW DINING + RETAIL CORRIDOR

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

ELEVATED PLAZA

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PROGRAMMING

PERMEABLE PAVING

WATER RUNOFF

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

PERMEABLE ROAD

RUNOFF CAPTURE AND STORAGE CISTERN

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WATERFRONT INTERVENTIONS BEFORE

KEY: EXISTING PROPOSED

WASHINGTON HARBOUR

0

144

+11’-9” +7’-9”

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

AFTER

WASHINGTON HARBOUR

0

16’

145

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WELCOMING THE WATER Team 6: Adrian Alvarado + Joe Martinez

Welcoming the Water envisions a new Thomas Jefferson Street pedestrian promenade - a green, socially equitable linkage from the C&O Canal to the waterfront. Beneath the promenade, water is captured in water vaults, filtered by biofiltration tanks and released into the Potomac River.

Welcoming the Water adapts the Washington Harbour by lifting it up on structural tiers, allowing water to flow beneath the building and mediates flooding through constructing land berms and by capturing water in low points. Crafted landforms allow for and define programmed social spaces and bring people down to the water’s edge.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

STORMWATER CAPTURE STRATEGIES BERMING - ADDRESSING RISING SEA LEVELS

CAPTURING

CAPTURING - ADDRESSING HIGHER ELEVATED GEORGETOWN STORM FLOODS CONNECTING WA S HA HING RB TO OU N R

WA S HA HING RB TO OU N R

REVEALING

CAPTURING

WASHINGTON

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STORE CONNECTING

CAPTURE

ACCEPT WASHINGTON HARBOUR

STORE

WASHINGTON HARBOUR

CAPTURE

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

N HARBOUR

ACCEPT

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urban mobility + connectivity

NIGHT LIFE IN THOMAS J

WHARF MARKET AT THOMA

156

AS JEFFERSON PROMENADE

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

JEFFERSON PROMENADE

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FLOOD MITIGATION STRATEGIES

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concept masterplan

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

SITE PLAN - WATERFRONT PARK

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

URBAN DESIGN: THOMAS JEFFERSON PROMENADE

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STREETS + BLOCKS: PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY STREET

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a new horizon

Team 7: Herbert Tjuatjadarma + Brandon Tang

A New Horizon focuses on a new layer of experience by designing an elevated, pedestrian network of garden decks that lift people up to view the river, walk amidst a forest of trees, touch tree leaves and blossoms and experience wildlife habitat such as birds in a unique, tactile and personal way.

A New Horizon allows for flooding to occur below elevated decks, lifting people above flood waters and also physically connecting to the upper floors of key buildings along K Street. A series of new pavilions are perched on the deck, allowing for viewing lower Georgetown and the Potomac River. The elevated deck concept melds with the idea of the Whitehurst Freeway, as it is an elevated vehicular transport level above K Street.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

CIRCULATION + OPEN SPACE

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

waterfront interventions TOPOGRAPHY

LANDFORM

BOARDWALK TO WATERFRONT - SECTION

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INTERACTION WITH THE BOARDWALK

LIFTED WALKWAYS TO CREATE LAYERS OF CIRCULATION

POROUS PAVING TO PERMEATE STORM WATER IN ALLEYWAYS

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

ELEVATED LAND TO ADDRESS RIVERINE FLOODING

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SECTION A-A’

concept masterplan

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

SECTION C-C’

SECTION B-B’

SITE PLAN - WATERFRONT PARK

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

boardwalk programming BOARDWALK WEAVING THROUGH A FOREST

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

BOARDWALK LEADING TO WASHINGTON HARBOUR

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

the flux

Team 8: Jose Fernandez + Eric Duenas

The Flux creates an urban design framework that is ecologically, socially and hydrologically driven by addressing the three types of increased flooding types in lower Georgetown – Pluvial, Fluvial and Tidal flooding.

The Flux addresses Pluvial flooding through planted street medians, bioswales and pocket parks, which are integrated into the existing street network, in order to catch, slow and filter water before reaching the Potomac River. Fluvial flooding was addressed through flood pools as well as with sculpted and stepped berms, layered on to the existing waterfront park. Tidal flooding was mitigated through elevating the central plaza of the Washington Harbour and its winter ice rink while repurposing the first floor of the existing building as a seawall. A new second floor public space was designed to create a central heart and a re-envisioned waterfront destination.

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Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

storm water analysis + strategy

EXISTING FLOOD CONDITIONS

PROPOSED FLOOD CONDITIONS

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LANDFORM METHODOLOGY

LEGEND

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

STREET-LEVEL MANAGEMENT

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URBAN DESIGN DIAGRAMS SITE-WIDE CIRCULATION

STREET-LEVEL MOVEMENT

LEGEND

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EXISTING BUILDING

WEST OF WASHINGTON HARBOUR

EXISTING BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDING

EXISTING BUILDING

POTOMAC RIVER SOUTH OF WASHINGTON HARBOUR

Concept Design | Georgetown Waterfront Studio

THOMAS JEFFERSON STREET

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concept masterplan

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site plan

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next steps The ideas presented in the student work are intended to create a dialog on the current problems facing the Georgetown Waterfront and how public space can be reenvisioned for the next century. Although these studies only encapsulate a small portion of the potential opportunity that could take place, recognizing that in order to strengthen the waterfront as an active and lively public space, designing preventative strategies from flooding is of high priority. These strategies, focusing on urban design and the landscape, can begin to rethink how the waterfront functions as a key public space with the surrounding neighborhood and to make the space more accessible throughout the year.

However, if the flood prevention solutions are not carefully planned, they can potentially be a detriment to the public space by limiting access to the water and interrupting the viewshed.

The elevated Whitehurst Freeway along the waterfront’s fronting road serves as an example on how an infrastructural solution can impact the public environment.

Coastal flooding of urban areas due to rising sea levels is a world-wide issue that requires serious and ambitious ideas to solve.

Georgetown could be on the forefront of innovative solutions that could simultaneously address the aging public open spaces of the 20th century.

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Next Steps | Georgetown Waterfront Studio Photo by Sam Kittner for Georgetown BID

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GEORGE TOWN W AT E R FRONT A Collaborative

Urban design studio