• By Meghan Spigle Dowker
• January 13, 2020

Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy

NCPC and the National Mall Roads Interagency Working Group are collaborating to update the National Mall Streetscape Manual. The Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy comprise the first task out of three in updating the Streetscape Manual. Once complete, the manual will be a user-friendly resource and tool that federal and local staff can use to plan and design streetscapes in the capital's monumental core. For more information about NCPC’s Streetscape Manual update check out our March 2019 blog post.

What is the Streetscape Framework?

The Streetscape Framework identifies, categorizes, and provides principles for streets of national significance that unify the capital city. The Framework includes the following elements:

• Street Categories: categorizes streets according to their national significance and includes (1) Radiating & Edging Streets, (2) Connecting & Traversing Streets, and (3) Local Streets.
• Character Areas: identifies eleven areas with unique urban design, architectural, and landscape character.
• Streetscape Framework and Principles: articulates the relationship among Street Categories and Character Areas and the intent for consistent and continuous streetscape designs, where appropriate.
• Gateways, Thresholds, and Approaches: identifies streets that are major entryways into the capital city, monumental core, and character areas and the intent to improve pedestrian circulation and intuitive wayfinding.

What is the Lighting Policy?

The Lighting Policy defines a hierarchy for illuminated elements in the monumental core and provides guidance for streetlighting in or adjacent to federal properties. The Lighting Policy includes a hierarchy and lighting principles for the following elements:

• Structures: civic buildings, monuments, memorials, and bridges
• Landscapes: parks and open spaces
• Streetscapes: avenues and streets (identified in the Streetscape Framework)

What’s Next?

The Commission reviewed concept designs for the Streetscape Framework and Lighting Policy in November 2019. NCPC will host two public meetings on January 14 and 15 to present our work and receive questions and comments. NCPC staff and the National Mall Roads Interagency Working Group will use the Streetscape Framework, Lighting Policy, and input from these meetings as the basis to develop Streetscape Design Guidelines and federal LED Streetlight Specifications.

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