While the term “Washington box” is often used unlovingly to describe the city’s architecture, designers work within long-standing parameters – including the federal Height Act, iconic plans, and clientele leaning more institutional than corporate – to create buildings reflecting an authentic, unique vocabulary. What constitutes a true Washington building? A panel of design experts discussed what makes a Washington building distinctive from a design perspective and the best approaches to create high quality architecture in DC's mid-rise context.

Panelists
Susan C. Piedmont-Palladino (moderator) | Professor of Architecture, Virginia Tech Washington/Alexandria Architecture Consortium

Phil Esocoff, FAIA | Principal, Esocoff & Associates/Weinstein Studios

Peter May | Associate Regional Director-Lands, Planning, and Design, National Park Service-National Capital Region; NCPC Commissioner

Produced with thanks to the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.