RFK Campus
The Office of Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) will reimagine the 190-acre Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium and Campus site, which currently includes a convention center, the DC Armory and festival grounds. Two conceptional plans were revealed on Monday morning that aim to transform the Washington sport enthusiasts’ favorite historical location.
“North-South Axis” – View from East with Arena. Image © Robota
The Project was commissioned by Events DC, the government agency and sports authority in the District of Columbia. The terrain is located in the Southeast corridor of the District and runs along the Anacostia River with an impairing waterfront being neglected for years. The project continues OMA New York’s urban renewal engagement with Washington DC, including also the 11th Street Bridge Park, which will soar over the Anacostia River.
“North-South Axis” – View from South. Image © Robota
The ambitious project seeks to serve several purposes: revitalize and reconnect the vast area to the two prominent neighborhoods in direction north and south, make the campus more overt to the river by resuscitating the waterfront gateway; as well as transform the campus space from passive pedestrian zone to a park. The residents will benefit from various programs and recreational facilities and enjoy more ecologically sustainable environment.
“North-South Axis” – Esplanade. Image Courtesy of OMA
Our conceptual plans aim to provide accessibility across the Campus’ unique topography and access to nearby waterways while creating dynamic open space”, said Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC.
“Our vision for the Campus’ future –which is aligned with community wants and needs – is to create a special and amazing place that celebrates the District of Columbia’s beauty and history”, Max Brown, chairman of the Board of Directors for Events DC.
“North-South Axis” – View Under the Roof. Image Courtesy of OMA
The conceptual plans are represented through two design schemes – North-South Axis and Stitch, each illustrating a different configuration of the location. These design concepts offer alternative approaches to parking, infrastructure and road network, pedestrian connections, site conditions and program placement.
“Stitch” Layout. Image © Robota
For both potential scenarios OMA proposes three possible anchor tenants – an Arena housing 20K visitors, the stadium itself, and No Anchor. The architects want to foster inclusiveness by clever engineering and optimize the space in order to create new attractions for residents and visitors – a track-and-field center, a water park and sport facilities for boxing, soccer, swimming and golf among a few.
Retail uses are also included with cafes along the riverwalk and permanent market halls.
By: Sabina Karleva
Ut pictura poesis (As is painting, so is poetry). Sabina Karleva, born in 1986 in Sofia, is a contemporary Bulgarian writer and a future MA graduate from the Cologne University in Media and Art History. Her debut book (The Wartime Photograph) – a collection of poetry, was published in 2013. She loves sculpting with words and reviewing art & design subjects