In modern times, the American people have given new life to this grand public space in ways never imagined by past generations.
In modern times, the American people have given new life to this grand public space in ways never imagined by past generations.
President Washington had a hand in the founding of the capital with a monument to himself at its heart.
President Washington had a hand in the founding of the capital with a monument to himself at its heart.
Today the unformed expanse of the 60 acre Monument grounds shows little evidence of the ideas of the past.
Today the unformed expanse of the 60 acre Monument grounds shows little evidence of the ideas of the past.
Critics complained during construction that a giant obelisk was the wrong symbol for America, and alternatives were proposed.
Critics complained during construction that a giant obelisk was the wrong symbol for America, and alternatives were proposed.
The WAMO Competition gives us an opportunity to help shape the future with creative ideas.
The WAMO Competition gives us an opportunity to help shape the future with creative ideas.
What are your ideas to make the grounds more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
What are your ideas to make the grounds more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
Earlier generations imagined a variety of designs for the Monument and its grounds.
Earlier generations imagined a variety of designs for the Monument and its grounds.
Some looked for inspiration in European royal gardens, others in the natural ecology of the original Potomac River setting.
Some looked for inspiration in European royal gardens, others in the natural ecology of the original Potomac River setting.
Can the Washington Monument grounds be made more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
Can the Washington Monument grounds be made more welcoming, educational, and effectively used by the public?
The Stage 1 jury met on January 28th, 2011 and walked the Monument grounds. They deliberated and chose 24 semi-finalists.
The Stage 1 jury met on January 28th, 2011 and walked the Monument grounds. They deliberated and chose 24 semi-finalists.
The Stage 2 jury met on June 23rd, 2011 and chose 6 winners that demonstrated a broad range of ideas.
The Stage 2 jury met on June 23rd, 2011 and chose 6 winners that demonstrated a broad range of ideas.
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May 17, 2012 People's Choice Winners Announced for National Ideas Competition for the Washington Monument Grounds
Exhibits Envision the “3RD CENTURY MALL” and Washington Monument Grounds

Washington, DC, August 8, 2012: A two-part exhibition highlighting the historic plans for Washington, D.C. and visionary ideas for the National Mall and Washington Monument is now on display at the District Architecture Center’s SIGAL Gallery. The exhibition invites the public to explore the history and help shape the future of the National Mall as the great symbolic public space it was intended to be.

One part of the exhibition, THE 3RD CENTURY MALL: REINVENTING L’ENFANT’S LEGACY, illustrates the historic 1791 L’Enfant Plan and 1901 McMillan Plan that are the “Planning Constitution” for the nation’s capital. The exhibit explores ways to restore, expand, and reinvent the historic, visionary plans for Washington, D.C.

Another segment of the exhibition features the winners of THE NATIONAL IDEAS COMPETITION FOR THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT GROUNDS. This competition was sponsored by George Washington University and headed by an independent group of architects, historians, and professors. The competition invited the public to propose concepts to make the 60-plus acres more welcoming, inspiring, and connected to the rest of the National Mall. The idea for the competition came out of a realization that while the Washington Monument continues to be the defining feature of the Washington D.C. skyline, at ground level its vast open space remains unfinished.

According to the competition’s Executive Director, Ellen Goldstein, “This exhibition shows well how a transparent and engaging dialogue with the public can provide a fantastic spark in the process of designing the historic centerpiece.”

The free opening reception is scheduled for August 15, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the District of Columbia Architecture Center, located at 421 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC. The exhibition is open until September 15th during the DAC’s operating hours of Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, go to www.savethemall.org and www.wamocompetition.org.

About the District Architecture Center
The District Architecture Center is home to the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Washington Architectural Foundation, two organizations that advocate for architecture and the built environment, educate both professional architects and the public, and inspire design excellence through workshops, tours, exhibits, lectures, and special events

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