• By Meghan Spigle Dowker
• March 13, 2019

Updating the Streetscape Manual

Introduction
A streetscape is defined as the visual elements of a street. This includes everything from the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street furniture, trees and open spaces that combine to form a street's character and make it unique.

Streetscapes in the nation’s capital, especially around the National Mall, are important because they belong to all of us. However, in 1991 the U.S. Secretary of Transportation expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions of the roads around the National Mall and initiated the National Mall Road Improvement Program to address their poor condition.

A result of the program was the establishment of a working group to oversee and coordinate road improvements around the National Mall. Member agencies included the the Architect of the Capitol, the District Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Park Service. In 1992, this group developed a Streetscape Manual which functioned as a construction guide for agencies to use when designing and constructing roadway improvements around the National Mall. In 2005, NCPC, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, General Services Administration, Smithsonian Institution, and the National Gallery of Art joined the working group.

Today’s Capital City Streetscapes
While the manual worked well for many years, its now time for an update to address new issues such as stormwater management, harmonious material applications and transitions, adaptation to changing technologies (like car charging stations), and new forms of transportation (like dockless bicycles and scooters).

In addition, current streetscape conditions have become inconsistent on many monumental core streets. Some are in excellent condition, such as the newly redesigned streetscape outside of the Herbert C. Hoover Building (U.S. Department of Commerce) which incorporates stormwater retention, perimeter security, and pedestrian amenities with a design and material palette complementary to the National Mall. (see image 1)

However, others need improvement such as a stretch along Independence Avenue, SW and 12th Street, SW that exhibits poor conditions not appropriate for the capital city. (see image 2)

Monumental Core Streetscape Project
The Monumental Core Streetscape Project is a collaboration between NCPC staff and the other interagency working group members to update the manual with three components.

1. Urban Design Streetscape and Lighting Framework: a map that identifies streets important to the national capital's identity with general principles for street design and lighting in the monumental core.
2. Streetscape Design Guidelines: adaptable guidance addressing emerging issues and new streetscape elements, such as stormwater management and car charging stations.
3. Streetscape Construction Manual: user-friendly construction details and specifications.

Once complete, the updated streetscape guide 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. The completed guide will better address changing technologies and evolving urban infrastructure while providing for improved pedestrian connectivity, intuitive wayfinding, and better enjoyment of streetscapes.

Next Steps
The Commission heard information presentations on the project in May and September of 2018. We will provide an information presentation on the Lighting Framework in April 2019. Then, later this year a presentation on the Urban Design Streetscape and Lighting Framework will be presented to the Commission for concept review and public comment.