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OMA’s bridge park above Anacostia River in Washington DC receives planning approval

OMA reveals the design of the 11th Street Bridge Park, to be built as a public destination in Washington D.C. by firm partner Jason Long, with construction beginning in 2021.

by STIRworldPublished on : Apr 24, 2020

OMA’s visualisation of a 'bridge as a destination' and 'a park above the river' in the form of the 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington D.C. has received approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. The project led by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) Partner Jason Long had won an international competition together with landscape architects OLIN in 2014.

Navy Yard | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
Navy Yard Image Credit: Courtesy of OMA and Luxigon

The preliminary plans put together by OMA, OLIN, structural engineers WRA and other associates were reviewed in the beginning of April 2020.

The proposed 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington D.C | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
The proposed 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington D.C Image Credit: Courtesy of OMA and Luxigon

“At a time when we are paradoxically isolated from one another but united in a common cause, public spaces that we all share and that benefit health have become more important than ever,” said Jason Long, while adding, “Our work has focused on creating a new civic space that engages with the Anacostia River and refining the programme for the park to ensure it will be a place for everyone in DC.”

A glimpse of the Street Bridge Park | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
A glimpse of the Street Bridge Park Image Credit: Courtesy of OMA and Luxigon

The new programmes of the bridge, which are part of the proposal include a new neighbourhood park for the community, an after hours destination for the nearby workforce, a comfortable retreat for the residents and a new territory for the tourists to explore.

Conceptual Model | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
Conceptual Model Image Credit: Courtesy of OMA

The bridge reveals an iconic 'X' form created by paths that extend over both sides of the river. Sloped terraces provide strategic positions to view landmarks in the area. The intersection of the paths gives way to an open plaza that will host cultural performances, markets and festivals. A series of other spaces have been designed as playscapes for outdoor interaction and learning.

Shaded Terrace | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
Shaded Terrace Image Credit: Courtesy of OMA and Luxigon

As the NCPC report points out, “The park will increase community connectivity and create welcoming and vibrant spaces that enhance the user experience and foster civic and local uses" Proposed to be built above the Anacostia River, the design intends to connect two historically desperate sides of the river with a series of programmed spaces, landscapes and active zones.

  • Hammock Grove | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
    Hammock Grove Image Credit: Courtesy of OLIN
  • Playscape | OMA | 11th Street Bridge Park | STIRworld
    Playscape Image Credit: Courtesy of OLIN

OMA states that 11th Street Bridge Park will be the first public space in the American capital that will make a bridge a destination where access to green spaces can significantly encourage physical activity while building social capital. The construction of the project is scheduled to begin in 2021.

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