Foster & Partners has designed four new buildings in addition to the masterplan, which brings together hotels, offices, apartments, restaurants and a wide range of shops.
A joint venture between Clark Construction Group and Smoot Construction has been engaged as general contractor. Construction is expected to reach substantial completion by the fourth quarter of 2013.
The site borders the main city axis of New York Avenue, with views towards the White House. The masterplan breaks the site into smaller, pedestrian blocks with new connections between the historic, predominantly residential neighbourhoods to the north and the commercial office developments to the south. It is designed to be human-scaled, in contrast with the imposing scale of the surrounding blocks.
The high density, mixed-use scheme will create a low-carbon, pedestrian-friendly quarter. The landscape, office and apartment buildings are oriented according to the path of the sun and incorporate green roofs to absorb water – the scheme aims to recycle 100% of the water used on site.
“CityCenter DC is one of the most significant urban developments in the United States today and we are honoured to be designing a low carbon masterplan for such a prominent site,” said Foster & Partners design director David Summerfield. “Our design has evolved through detailed studies of the city’s climate and streets – the new buildings will integrate with their historic context and create a unique place to live and work, as well as a major new civic space and amenities.”
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