RFK Memorial Park Washington, D.C. Christopher Claeyssen & Matt McHale Landscape Architecture 451 // May 5th, 2020
RFK Memorial Park Washington, D.C.
The Team
Christopher Claeyssen Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture 2020 Minor in Sustainable Design
Matthew McHale Bachelor of Science Landscape Architecture 2020
Table of Contents Preface & Acknowledgments
7
Introduction
9
Literature Review
11
Problem Statement & Scope
13
Methodology & Process
15
Site Inventory & Analysis regional context local context youth opportunities hydrology & topography existing views site diagrams composite analysis
History and Demographics
31
Case Studies
39
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial FDR Memorial Vietnam Veterans Memorial Diana, Princess of Wale Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Design Development
45
concept typologies relationship diagram conceptual master plan preliminary master plan
Solution & Recommendation
53
Conclusion
75
Annotated Bibliography
77
Preface & Acknowledgments
This idea proposes a creative and monumental
approach to a memorial park design that will create a unique experience to all visitors and locals of Washington D.C. in the Southeast portion of the city. It will honor the life of a noteworthy politician, Robert F. Kennedy, through the concept and function of the park’s design. This design will be a highlight of Southeast D.C. and provide a must-see attraction that will provide many different types of experiences that users of the space will enjoy. It will also provide a place for interaction and gatherings among the locals and visitors that will engage the community. With such a dynamic space that has the potential for a versatile array uses, it will create a new spin on a memorial that is interactive and positive, while also paying homage to the great man whom it is memorializing. We would like to give a special thanks to the following people for their guidance…
Michael Hasenmyer – Teaching Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture, Lead Studio Professor Charles Yuill – Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture Judith Wasserman – Professor of Landscape Architecture
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Introduction
Washington D.C has been the nation’s capital
since 1790 and has a deeply rooted history. It is the home of our political leaders, and is where our democratic political system passes laws and makes policy that shape our nation. The nation’s capital is also where we honor and memorialize the people and events that have had the biggest impact on our country, for good or bad. These people and events are memorialized through statues, buildings, and various types of structures and dynamic spaces. These honorary spaces and structures are located on the western side of the city. The majority of these monuments and memorials are located along the central axis of Washington D.C. running latitudinally in line with the Capitol Building. This central axis is known as the “Monument Corridor” and runs from the Lincoln memorial, adjacent to the Potomac River, and along the National Mall to the Capitol building. The Monument Corridor aligns with East Capitol Street, which runs from the center of the capital building directly east until it hits the East Capitol Street Bridge. Just before East Capitol Street hits the Anacostia River and reaches the eastern edge of the city it runs into RFK Stadium and loops south of the stadium property and merges with Independence Avenue and becomes the East Capitol Street Bridge.
The stadium property is home to Robert
F. Kennedy Stadium, which is scheduled to be demolished in the next two years. RFK Stadium was home to four of D.C.’s major sports teams and was named after the late Robert F. Kennedy. With the stadium scheduled for demolition, this poses questions as to what will become of the stadium site.
The site is located along the central axis as
previously stated, and is located at a major entry point into the city. This a very important plot of land in the city and holds a heavy weight as to what it should be purposed for. The stadium property is part of a larger area called the RFK Campus, which surrounds the stadium property, and the campus contains the D.C. Armory, the Fields at RFK Campus, RFK auxiliary turf fields, and a portion of Anacostia Park.
As the site is located in such an important
area, this brings a great design challenge. The design presented will extend the Monument Corridor to the eastern entrance of D.C, and enhance an extremely underutilized area. It will provide Southeast D.C. a central hub that will bring visitors to the area, as well as providing the locals a dynamic public space that they can enjoy. The design will also honor Robert. F Kennedy and commemorate his most important values through the amenities offered in the design. It will also serve as a gateway into D.C. and improve the aesthetics of the area to anyone entering the city via the East Capitol Street Bridge. The design will serve as a space for community engagement and interaction that will enlighten an area with a dynamic park space. This design will connect the RFK Campus with its existing recreational spaces and amenities creating more fluid pedestrian access. Along with the benefits that the public will gain, this design will also reduce pervious surfaces and the introduction of a significant more vegetation to the site. This project will bring life to an area that is currently underutilized, while honoring and commemorating the life of a very important and loved political figure who did great things for all people of the United States and stood for his core values up until his life was cut short.
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Literature Review
The design of memorial landscape is a very
important form of landscape design that holds cultural significance. Through research, it is apparent that memorial landscapes in some way, shape, or form tells a story of a person, group of people, or event. Landscape architects hold the responsibility to tell this story not with words, but with symbolism through a space via material, sculpture, vegetation, and all things that make up the landscape. These components of the landscape are what will tell the story of the honoree and will enable the memory or the honoree to live on through the memorial landscape.
“Landscape architects are thus uniquely poised
to influence the design of memorial landscapes. In doing so, they can transform space into a place of significance, a place of storytelling, a place of lessons.� (Wasserman, p. 42)
Memorial landscapes can be translated in a
plethora of ways, which is displayed in Washington D.C. Some memorials are very literal with statues or busts of those being memorialized, and others are more conceptual that are not directly shown to those visiting the memorial but shown subtly yet thoughtfully. Memorials have deep history not just in our country but in the history of mankind. For example, the pyramids in Egypt were memorials built for pharaohs, and ancient religious structures were built as memorials for gods or holy figures depending upon the belief. All of these memorials have held deep cultural significance and been powerful spaces or structures that speak to people and evoke emotions. The emotions that are evoked in the users are to be in honor of the person being memorialized in the landscape. Memorials also can honor the person(s) or event by being a space that holds events or supports activities to take place that the honoree would have supported or held as a value.
“Memorials can provide a community meeting
space for public forums appropriate to events of great social impact. While each person may go through a different process of mourning, a common forum brings individuals into the collective realm, engendering a community sense of loss.� (Wasserman, p. 45) Although many memorials are thought as places to mourn and places of grief, there are memorials that can evoke positive emotions. If it was in the nature the honoree to be positive or active then that should be the type of memorial that is designed. If the honoree valued positivity and evoked positive emotions and actions out of people than it would be appropriate to design a space that brings out those emotions to visitors.
The research discussed and completed
throughout the design development lead to the decisions seen in the finalized design. The project should reflect the values that Robert F. Kennedy held important, and should evoke the same emotions that he brought out of people when he was living. This research completed throughout the entire development of the design shaped the type of landscape that was created in the finalized project.
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Problem Statement
Robert F. Kennedy Stadium was built as one of the
country’s first multi-sport stadiums for professional sports teams. For decades the stadium as home to one or more of Washington D.C.’s four professional sports teams. The stadium was consistently used from 1961 when it opened until 2007 when the only team using the stadium was D.C.’s professional soccer team which did not get the attendance like the other major sports teams in the city, and in 2018 the soccer team left RFK and built their own stadium at a different location. This left a vacant stadium sitting along the central access of D.C. at an eastern entrance to the city. This vacant stadium at this point was simply taking up valuable space, and on top of that the large amounts of impervious surfaces from the parking that was used for stadium events.
This stadium was one of the major features of Southeast
D.C. that would bring visitors to this side of D.C. and with no activities going on at the stadium, it created a severely underutilized piece of very valuable land. In 2019 the stadium was scheduled for demolition, due to the inactivity at the stadium. This became a controversial subject to the community of Southeast D.C. because there were many differing opinions about what should be built on the site. Some groups of people wanted to develop the area into a mixed-use area for commercial, residential, and recreational use. Some local communities disagreed with this idea for the site and thought that would compromise the integrity and function of the community. This back and forth has created tension within the community and left the owners of the stadium property (D.C. Events) with a difficult decision to make, as to how to go forward with the development of the site.
This difficult circumstance lead to the selection of the
site, to propose a design solution for the site that would be beneficial to all parties involved in the area, and make a design that fit seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The other difficult and important solution that came with designing this site, is honoring the man who the stadium is named after. These factors lead to the direction chosen as to how to design the site, and what the site would become.
Scope Mission Statement- The design of the underutilized RFK stadium site is to memorialize Robert F. Kennedy through a multifaceted park. This design will serve as a central hub for the surrounding community providing a safe public environment. The introduction of a park will encourage community interaction through recreational and educational opportunities. Within the design; recreational amenities, interactive public facility, and emotion evoking outdoor spaces will be included. Robert F. Kennedy was a major advocate for community interaction, social equality, and youth prosperity. This park commemorates the life of Robert. F Kennedy and the values he viewed most important.
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Goal one- The first goal of this project is to honor Robert F. Kennedy. The nature of a memorial is to honor and memorialize someone or a group of people. This project is honoring the memory of Robert F. Kennedy, and this will be accomplished through various ways. One way to accomplish this is to provide information about the life of Robert F. Kennedy and educate users on the life of this man. Another is to create outdoor spaces that will be dedicated for visitors to pay homage to Kennedy. The project will also honor Kennedy by respecting his core values that he viewed most important through the amenities within the park.
Goal two- Community Engagement is the second goal of this project and will be accomplished through multiple objectives. The project will provide spaces where public events can take place within the design. It will also include recreational amenities for users of the park. Another way to accomplish community engagement on site is to improve pedestrian circulation and connection, which will make the site easier to access and will allow for more users to visit the park. The implementation of this park will also draw new users to the area, which will introduce more people to the area creating a sense of community.
Goal three- The third goal of this project is to provide amenities that will improve the quality of life for the local community. One way this will be achieved is to provide a public facility on site that the public will have full access too. This facility will provide educational and recreational amenities that the public will have the opportunity to use. Another way that the design will accomplish this goal is that the facility and park will host events such as farmers markets, rallies, and community recreation. Another way to achieve this goal is that the facility will provide an afterschool program as well as educational classes for adults.
Methodology & Process District of Columbia
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Regional Context Pennsylvania
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Local Context
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is located in Washington, D.C, which lies between the states of
Maryland and Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay is the main body of water in the region that fills the rivers in this area. The Chesapeake Bay is the water source of the Potomac and Anacostia River, which forms the western and eastern borders of Washington, D.C.
The stadium, commonly known as RFK Stadium, is located in Southeast D.C., to the east of the
monument corridor, highlighted in the map above. Along the monument corridor one can find a wide variety of memorials and landmarks, such as the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and many more. The monument corridor extends from the Lincoln memorial all the way down to the RFK Campus. RFK campus is highlighted in red and is adjacent to the Anacostia River and the D.C. Armory is located within the campus. RFK stadium is located in direct line with the corridor, and sits at an entrance to D.C. The map above demonstrates the strong axial relationship that the stadium has with the existing monuments and memorials in D.C.
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Regional Transportation Daily users
40,393 36,151 94,685 42,451
55,661
38,021
241,377 120,725 52,653
The map shown above is highlighting the main entrances to D.C. and the average amount of daily users
of each entrance. Starting in the Northwest is the Francis Scott Key Bridge which has 40,393 daily users, and then directly below that is the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, which is the third most used entrance in D.C. with 94, 685 user per day. Below that is the Arlington Memorial Bridge with 55,661 daily users, and then below that is the Rochambeau Memorial Bridge, which is the most heavily used entrance with 241,377 daily users. Then to the right of the southern tip of the city is the Fredrick Douglas Bridge, which allows 52,653 daily users, and just east of that is the Navy Yard Bridge allowing the second most daily users into D.C with 120,725. Then northeast of that is the John Phillip Sousa Bridge, which has 38,021 daily users, and north of that is the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge, which runs into the stadium site, with 42,451 daily users. North of that is the Ethel Kennedy Bridge with 36,151 daily users.
Since RFK Stadium is located in between the Whitney Young Memorial bridge and the Ethel Kennedy
bridge, taking advantage of the daily commuter influx is important. The existing experience entering Washington D.C. from these bridges is not the most pleasant. Washington D.C. is known for monumental entrances to the city most commonly found in North West D.C.. Over 70,000 people enter and exit from S.E. Washington D.C. every day. Creating a dynamic space which stimulates S.E. Washington D.C. is essential, not only for the commuters but, for the locals of S.E. Washington D.C.
Francis Scott Key Bridge - 40,393
Rochambeau Memorial Bridge - 241,377
John Philip Sousa Bridge - 38,021
Theadore Roosevelt Bridge - 94,685
Frederick Douglas Bridge - 52,653
Whiteny Young Memorial Bridge - 42,451
Arlington Memorial Bridge - 55,661
Navy Yard Bridge - 120,725
Ethel Kennedy Memorial Bridge - 36,151
Washington D.C. has a population of over 700,00
people,with 671,678 employed in the city. Of that 67,678 only about 28% are residents of Washington D.C.. The other 72% of the people employed in the city commute from Maryland and Virginia. Washington D.C. has multiple modes of transportation. The Washington Metro spans 117 miles, with 6 different lines and 91 stations (7 more under construction) which makes it the second largest metro transit in the United States, behind New York’s subway. The Washington Metro connects Washington D.C. to Figure 1.0 0
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Maryland and Virginia. Only 21.2% of the people working in
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work alone. As you can see in (figure 1.0) there are multiple metro stops within the city. The most popular metro stop is Union Station with 30,000 entries . Union station is located just north of the United states Capitol.
Washington D.C. also has a very extensive bus
transit system called the Metrobus. The bus routes as shown in (figure 1.2) travel through the whole city and outside the city as well. The Metrobus has over 10,000 bus stops and moves 390,746 people daily, and well over 100 million people annually. The Metrobus has different fares that correspond with where the traveler is heading. A regular bus ride would cost $2.00, and it goes up from
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Bicycling in Washington D.C. can be quite
intimidating, but overall biking in Washington D.C. is very inviting. There are plenty of designated share roads where individuals can bike comfortably. In (figure1.3) the bike routes shown in red, are bike paths and share roads inside of the city, most of which lead to some form of green space. On the other side of the Anacostia and Potomac River there are more nature oriented biking trails.
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Local Transportation
In this graphic (figure 1.4) the location of various
forms of transportation is highlighted and shown in reference to their proximity within a mile. and a half mile of the site. The D.C. metro line runs through the RFK Campus and has two metro stations within one mile of the site. The Potomac Avenue Station is located just under a mile away from the site, and the Stadium-Armory is located under a half of a mile from the site. The metro is not the only form of public transportation in close proximity to the site. There are over 130 bus stops within a mile of the site providing amply opportunities for people to access the site from all over the
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in the area.
In this graphic (figure 1.5) the local roadways,
bike lanes, and green spaces (parks, recreation fields, and community gardens) are highlighted. There are many roadways within a mile, and a half mile of the site that have designated bike lanes This shows that the site can be easily accessed through pedestrian transportation. The graphic also shows how all of the local green spaces in the area are connected in to the site. Figure 1.4 0
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In this graphic (figure 1.6) the location of parks
and historical landmarks within a mile, and a half mile of the site are highlighted. This depicts that there are some historical landmarks in the area, but they are fairly scattered and compared to the western side of D.C. the number of historical landmarks is scarce. The graphic also shows how these landmarks are connected mostly via vehicular roadway making them not easily accessible for pedestrians. Figure 1.5 0
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Youth Opportunities
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Surrounding the RFK Stadium there are many schools
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and recreational opportunities. (Figure 1.6) This graphic
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shows the relationship between these two within the context
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of the site. There are four schools located with in a half
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mile of RFK Stadium. Most of the schools in the area are ! !
relatively close to open space and/or recreation space. With
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the Kingman and Heritage island in close proximity, the
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redevelopment of the RFK Stadium site could be an additional
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opportunity offered to the youth of S.E. Washington D.C.
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´ Eastern Senior High School Public high school, that educates 1,100 students from 9th grade through 12th grade. Eastern Senior High school was part of the D.C. Public Schools restructuring project. The first graduation class of the high school occured in 2015.
Eliot-Hine Middle School International Baccalaureate school located in S.E. Washington D.C. This school educates students from 6th grade to 8th grade. In 2018 there were 232 students enrolled. The school is comprised of 87% Black , non Hispanic, 3% Hispanic Latino, 7% White, non Hispanic and 3% Multiracial.
AppleTree Early Leaning PCS A non-profit organization and exemplary charter preschool in Washington D.C.. The goal of AppleTree Early Learning PCS is to close the achievement gap before a student enrolls in kindergarten.
St Coletta of Greater Washington St. Coletta of Greater Washington’s goal is to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to discover their full potential. St. Coletta was founded in 1959.
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Figure 1.7 0
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In this graphic (figure 1.7) the hydrology in relation to the site is shown. The body of water located to the east, adjacent to the site, is the Anacostia River. The site is protected from flooding by an existing levee along the coast of the river.
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Figure 1.9
The section in (figure 1.9), shows the topographic changes, from west to east, down the center of the
site. In total, there is 48 feet of elevation change, with an average slope of 5% throughout the site. The section shows how the slope of the lawn, north of the armory, is very gentle and that area is relatively flat. Then, at the entrance of the stadium there is a harsher slope where the majority of the elevation change on site takes place. The slope then flattens out in the center of the stadium and rises back up slightly on the far east side of the stadium. There is a slight bowl shape that takes place within the stadium site. To the far east in this section there is a steep dip in elevation off-site that slopes down towards the Anacostia River
Figure 2.0
The section in (figure 1.10) shows the topographic changes from north to south, cut through the
center of the stadium. This section shows the bowl shape that is created on the site, and the edge of this topographic bowl is the road surrounding the site. The bowl that is formed, inside of the surrounding road, gently slopes back up toward the stadium on the northern side, and on the southern side remains flatter. Similarly to the section in figure 1.9, within the boundaries of the stadium itself there is another bowl shape that occurs. The lowest point that is outside of the site boundary on the far left of the section is the metro that dips underground. Similarly, on the far right of the section, in the most southern portion of the section, the topography dips down below the elevation of the levels of the site. These dips in elevation at the edge of the road form wall like slopes outside of site boundary.
In this graphic (figure 1.8) the topography of the site is shown with two-foot contour intervals. The site, and its surrounding areas, slope towards the river and creates a depression within the stadium site.
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Existing Views
View 1: Entering the main lawn in front of the D.C. Armory
View 8: Looking out towards the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge. Construction obsturcts the view.
View 5: Looking at the severe grade change on the southern entry of RFK Stadium.
View 2: Looking down East Capitol St. NE (Monument Corridor). Existing light post obstructs the view.
View 9: Looking at the underpass that connects to the Fields at RFK.
View 6: Looking towards RFK Stadium from underpass that connects to an existing parking lot
View 3: Looking from the center of the lawn towards RFK Stadium. Existing allee existing of Willow oaks.
View 10: Inside of the underpass that connects to the Fields at RFK. Great connection to recreational opportunities.
View 7: Looking towards the RFK Stadium from the existing parking lot. The parking lot is not welcoming to the RFK Campus.
View 4: Looking towards RFK Stadium from the existing cross walk. Wide streets effect the time it takes pedestrians to cross.
View 11: Looking at the RFK Stadium, exiting the Fields at RFK.
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Site-Diagrams
Circulation Pre-intervention
These diagrams are demonstrating
how the existing stadium disrupts the connections through the site and to the surrounding areas. The main points of pedestrian access to the surrounding areas are two tunnels at the northern and southern boundary of the site (labeled with arrows in the diagrams). The presence of the stadium creates a disconnect, and effects the function of pedestrian circulation in the area negatively. Another point of pedestrian circulation that is disrupted on site, occurs when crossing 22nd Street into the stadium site. Due to the traffic on this unecessarily wide road and the very long crosswalks, there is a distruption of pedestrian circulation on site.
Circulation Post-Intervention
If the stadium is removed, this would
create much more functional pedestrian circulation on site. Improving the pedestrian circulation and access, would create better connections to the parks and greens spaces adjacent to or near the site. This would make a much more functional area and improve people’s experience when visiting this area.
These diagrams illustrate the
Pervious vs Impervious Pre-intervention
relationship between the presence of the stadium, and the amount pervious and impervious surface on the site. As the site exists currently, with the presence of the stadium, there is a limited amount of vegetation that exists on the site. This is the case, due to the shear size of the stadium and the amount of space it takes up. In addition to that, is the large amount of impervious surfaces within the site that takes away from areas vegetation can grow on the site. The stadium, and its previous need for a large number of parking spaces, contributes greatly to the lack of vegetation and amount of impervious surface within the site.
The removal of the stadium and the
large impervious surface areas would create much more room for vegetation to establish.
Pervious vs Impervious Post-intervention
Not only would this be environmentally beneficial, but it would also improve the aesthetic of the site. This would be carried out by increasing the amount of vegetation, and decreasing the amount of parking and removing an unused stadium. The increase of vegetation would also improve the visual connection to Anacostia Park & River Trail, by matching the forested areas of the park and trails nearby.
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Site-Diagrams Views Pre-intervention
These diagrams show the effect
that the presence of the stadium has on the views of people entering Washington, D.C., via the East Capitol Street Bridge (Whitney Young Memorial Bridge). The presence of the stadium creates an unaesthetically appealing view, when entering the city from this direction. The stadium lies centered on the axis of the bridge, and is all you can see when entering the city. This bulky stadium should not be the first visual for people, when entering the nation’s capital. On the opposite side of the stadium from the bridge is the central axis of the entire city (Monument Corridor), and a visitor would have no idea this is the case because the first thing they see when coming into the city from this direction is the stadium.
Views Post-Intervention
The removal of the stadium would
improve the quality of the site as an entry point to the city. The removal of the stadium could give the site a chance to become a meaningful gateway to the city. This aesthetic improvement would make this area a much more attractive place to visit and would give the axis the site lies on, the respect it deserves.
Viewshed Analysis Existing Viewshed
Viewshed after removal of RFK Stadium
Composite Analysis
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail
1,86 4
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Capit ol St.
NE
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Opportunities 3 Fields at RFK
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Topography
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2
Noise from East Capitol St.
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Metro Stop
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DC Amory
Kingman Island
Constraints 3 Pedestrian Disconnect
a ti
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Thresholds Schools Metro Stop
disrupted Views
This composite analysis has many opportunities and constraints. The Metro stop (Stadium-Amory)
located next to the D.C. Armory typically gets about 2,423 users a day. The site would benefit from the daily influx of people. Located in front of the D.C. Armory there is a lawn that extends all the way to the RFK stadium. This area could be used for venues or public discourse. The fields at RFK located north of the RFK Stadium hosts large recreational events. Adjacent to the Fields at RFK is the Anacostia river walk. This trail connects users to the fields and Kingman island. Major entries to the site are two underpasses located at the northern and southern extent of the site. Connecting users to parking, recreational fields and the river walk.
There are multiple constraints on site, one being the topography. The topography of the site creates
a bowl shape. This will be a challenge when it comes to connecting users to the site. Another constraint is 22nd Street, which imposes a major disconnect to pedestrians moving from the lawn in front of the stadium and the rest of the site. 22nd Street also causes undesireable noise from the traffic moving through the site, as well as noise from East Capitol Street.
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History & Demographics of S.E. D.C
Kingman Park History & Character History
H St. NE
Kingman park is one of the neighborhoods
located near RFK Stadium. Kingman park was named after Brigadier General Dan Christie Kingman, former head of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. In the late 1890’s the Army Corp of Engineers persuaded Congress for approval to dredge the Anacostia River. The rationale for dredging the Anacostia was to create a more functional water way for commercial use. In 1919 the reclaimed flats became Anacostia Water Park.
Housing in Kingman Park
A real estate developer by the name of Charles Sager began building homes in 1927. The first 40 homes were sold in 1928. With more schools being built in the area, more homebuyers wanted to buy homes in Kingman Park. This led the developers to build more homes to accommodate the demand for housing. By the early 1930’s Sager made plans to add 350 homes.
Kingman park today is home to 10,000
residents. Kingman Park is prime location for affordable housing. With the Stadium Armory Metro
Union Market
Station being located within one mile and three bus routes that run through the neighborhood. Surrounding Kingman park there is an abundance of amenities such as the Anacostia River-walk Trail, Kingman Island Trail and Heritage island Park, Union Market, H Street NE and many more.
Character
Kingman Park consists of two-story homes that
remain consistent in height and design. The homes were built using mainly brick. The homes also have a set of stairs that lead you to a front porch in front of the home. The homes are street facing, with the focus being practicality and functionality rather than aesthetics. In front of each home there is a yard that can is supposed to be only meant for greens pace.
Kingman Island bluegrass & folk festival
Kingman Park Average Income in S.E. D.C. $76,956
Income Median $45,538
Population 9,519
Age <10 Years 10-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45 +54 55 +
11% 11% 7% 12% 11% 11% 36%
Education Levels Masters Degree or Higher
32%
Bachelors Degree
27%
Some College or Associates Degree
17%
High School Diploma or Equivalent
17%
Less than a High School Diploma
7%
Racial Diversity African American White Hispanic Asian Two or More Races
RFK Memorial Park
50% 41% 6% 1% 1%
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Barney Circle History & Character Housing in Barney Circle
History
Barney Circle is on the western side of the
Anacostia river, south of Kingman park. The name of the neighborhood is in reference to a traffic circle at the most southern point of the neighborhood. The Barney Circle traffic circle was named after Commodore Joshua Barney, who was a commander of the Chesapeake Bay flotilla in the war of 1812. Barney Circle began development in 1901 when the trolley
Historic photo of Barney Traffic Circle
line began to extend down Pennsylvania avenue. In 1930 Barney Circle was home to war workers and other white-collar workers.
In 1968, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. sparked four-day riots, fueled by racial tension across the nation, that lead to several casualties. After the 1968 Riots Barney circle became almost 100% African American. Today barney circle is part of the largest historic residential neighborhood in D.C.
D.C. Riots of 1968
(Capitol Hill) and has a population of 11,000 and more than 4,000 homes.
Character
Barney Circles homes are two story homes with
two to three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. With small porches and a small yard. Homes were built using primarily brick with overhanging eves, mansard roofs and brick string courses. These are also known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;daylightâ&#x20AC;? row houses. The design intent is that each room would receive natural light and air.
Anacostia River walk Trail
Barney Circle Average Income in S.E. D.C. $76,956
Income Median $134,138
Population 11,755
Age <10 Years 10-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45 +54 55 +
11% 5% 9% 29% 19% 11% 17%
Education Levels Masters Degree or Higher
32%
Bachelors Degree
27%
Some College or Associates Degree
17%
High School Diploma or Equivalent
17%
Less than a High School Diploma
7%
Racial Diversity African American White Hispanic Asian Two or More Races
RFK Memorial Park
50% 41% 6% 1% 1%
35
Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925 in Brookline, Massachusetts, to his parents Joseph
P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Kennedy. Robert was the seventh of the Kennedy’s nine total children. Throughout Robert’s childhood he lived in many different cities. During his childhood the Kennedy family had homes in a list of cities that included Brookline, MA; New York, NY; Hyannis Port, MA; Palm Beach, FL; and London, UK. When Robert reached young adulthood he served in the U.S. Navy and fought in World War II, where tragically his eldest brother Joseph Kennedy Jr. died.
After World War II Robert completed his college education and graduated from Harvard University
in 1948. After graduating from Harvard, he continued his education at the University of Virginia Law School, where he graduated with a degree in law in 1951. In 1950 before his graduation from law school he married his wife Ethel Skakel on June 17th, with whom they eventually had 11 children.
After his education he later began to pursue a political career, following the footsteps of many of his
relatives including his brother John F. Kennedy. His brother John appointed Robert to manage his senatorial campaign, where John won and became a U.S. senator. After this Robert worked on a committee to fight against union corruption in the country. Robert was very successful on this committee and was making a name for himself in politics. In 1959, his brother John began his campaign for presidency and called upon the assistance of his brother Robert to manage his campaign. His brother was successful in his campaign and became president of the United States. Robert was appointed the 64th Attorney General of the U.S. by his brother. During his tenure he fought against organized crime that was plaguing the country, taking down mobsters. Robert also was a big supporter of the Civil Rights movement going on at the time. He sent thousands of federal troops to Oxford, Mississippi, to protect the first African American student to attend the University of Mississippi. During his brother’s presidency Robert assisted him in handling important foreign policy decisions during the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis.
Robert’s brother, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated on November 22, 1963, shell-shocking
the country. Robert grieved his brother’s death, but despite the unimaginable hardships he went through he continued his duty as Attorney General. He worked with his brother’s successor Lyndon B. Johnson to pass the groundbreaking Civil Rights Act of 1964. A year after his brother’s death, Robert stepped down as Attorney General to campaign for the New York Senate. In 1965, he was elected Senator of New York, where he continued to work on civil rights and social justice issues. During his tenure as senator, he assisted followers of Martin Luther King Jr., by sending federal troops for protection, when threatened during a rally. He was an outspoken critic of his brother’s successor Lyndon B. Johnson and the involvement in the Vietnam War.
In 1968, Robert ran for president as an antiwar and socially progressive Democrat. He ran an energetic
campaign and won five of six presidential primaries, and was gaining large amounts of support. On June 6th, 1968, Robert gave a speech in the ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. Following his speech as he was exiting the stage, Kennedy was fatally shot by a Palestinian immigrant, Sirhan Sirhan. Sirhan resented Kennedy for his support to intervene in the Six-Day War in Israel, supplying Israel with military support during the conflict. At Robert Kennedy’s funeral his brother Ted gave a famous eulogy, and after his body was transported by train from New York to D.C., to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery alongside his brother John. Famously, hundreds of thousands of Americans lined the tracks of the train showing their love and support of Robert on the route to his burial site.
RFK Memorial Park
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RFK Stadium History
The RFK Stadium was opened in 1961, and was
home of the Washington Senators. Originally named D.C. Stadium, the name was changed to RFK Stadium following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The Washington Senators started playing at RFK Stadium in 1962 before the team was relocated to Arlington, TX and became the Texas Rangers. The Washington Redskins played at RFK Stadium until moving to FedEx Field in 1996
After 33 years without a baseball team the
Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. becoming the Washington Nationals who played at RFK from 2005 to 2007 before moving the Nationals Park which was built in the southern part of D.C. DC United, the professional soccer club in DC, began its franchise in 1995, then played their inaugural season in 1996. DC United played all of their home games at RFK stadium, from 1996 to 2017, until they built Audi Field and have been using since 2018. Now RFK Stadium is sitting vacant and has been since 2018. There has been a lot of conservation on what this high profile site should be turned into.
Sports team timeline
1961
1971
1996
2005
2007
2018
Present
Case Studies RFK Memorial Park
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Martin Luther King Memorial
Washington, D.C. Bonnie Fisher // Lei Yixin (Sculptor) 4 Acres Elements of the Design - Shaping of the earth and creation of an embracing form that would engage the tidal basin and the cherry trees -Heighten the awareness of visitors to the axial relationship between the Lincoln, Jefferson and Kings memorial, as well as DR. King’s important role in broadening the meaning of democracy in America. - Create an environment that would recall Dr. King’s magnificent oratory in its cadence and crescendo effect and thus emotionally involve everyone in his message.
Memorialization of DR. King
- Creating a 300’ tall stone carving of DR. King forever immortalizing him
- Engraving his words of social justice throughout the monument.
- The space is a place to contemplate Dr. King’s legacy; a non-violent philosophy striving for freedom,
justice and equality.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Washington, D.C. Lawrence Halprin 7.5 Acres Elements of the Design - 4 galleries or garden rooms that tell the story of the U.S. during his four terms as president - The sculptures involved with the memorial depict images from the Great Depression and World War II
Memorialization of FDR
- The rooms and water features were mainly built out of South Dakota Granite. They used stone to
express the fracture and upheaval of the times.
- The memorial has 10 bronze sculptures and 21 carved inscriptions and quotations from FDRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
speeches and radio talks.
-After complaints from National Organization on Disability, a statue of FDR on his wheelchair was
placed in the memorial. The nations first memorial designed to be wheelchair accessible.
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Vietnam Memorial Washington, D.C. Maya Lin 2 Acres Elements of the Design - The simplistic yet moving design includes long black granite walls that are carved into the earth. The walls have over 58,000 names engraved into its face, to honor those who gave their lives serving our country during the war. - There are paths along the walls for visitors to pay respects to the veterans, and also paths surrounding the edge of the site connecting the surrounding memorials. - The rest of the site consists of lawn and scattered trees along the edge of the site to provide visual buffers to those in the site while also blending into the surrounding memorials.
Memorialization of the Vietnam Veterans
- This design was controversial when selected
winner of the national competition, but was selected because it captured what was happening to the country during war.
- The concept of the design was to create a
gash in the landscape to symbolize the trying times during the war and people in disagreement of the involvement in the war. While also symbolizing how the loss of so many soldiers effected so many people in the country.
-The walls direct toward the Washington
Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, carving its place into the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history in the heart of the Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital
Diana, Princess of Wale Memorial Hyde Park, London, UK Katy Gustafson 1.4 Acres Elements of the Design - The largest element of the design is the large circular fountain built into the natural topography, which cascade and swirls throughout the site, with areas where visitors may interact with the fountain. - Approximately 100 liters per second of water pump throughout the fountain made of 54 pieces of Cornish granite. - The fountain has a reflecting pool and water features within the feature with designated meanings to honor the Princess. - Along with the large fountain the park has three bridges for visitors to be able to access the center of the memorial, as well as of pathways and seating areas.
Memorialization of Princess Diana
- Design aims to reflect Diana’s life through a
circular cascading fountain, that varies in calmness throughout the fountain.
- The memorial is also meant to symbolize
Diana’s quality and openness. The concept comes from the Princess’s most cherished qualities of ‘Reaching out and letting in”.
RFK Memorial Park
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
Indianapolis, Indiana Greg R. Perry // Daniel Edwards (Sculptor) 14 Acres Elements of Design - The Landmark design is a sculpture of two large steel curves on opposite sides of a path that is cut with outlines of Kennedy and King, and half sculptures of them both reaching towards each other. -In addition to the memorial sculpture the park includes shelter seating areas, outdoor public pool house, and community garden. -The park is for public use with many recreational and communal amenities.
Memorialization of MLK & RFK
-The Landmark design is described as “… monument is a meeting of opposing artistic sensibilities not
normally found together in public monuments: abstract meets figurative,” “It’s truly a civic sculpture”.
-The site choice memorializes the two icons because this site is where RFK delivered a legendary
speech following the assassination of MLK.
-RFK said these immortal words that inspired the memorial “Why don’t we make a monument to peace
where all of us can live together, not with walls coming up but with walls tearing down, so we can go forward together.”
Design Development RFK Memorial Park
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Design Development RFK Stadium Area 34.14 Acres Impervious Surface 35.65% Pervious Surface 34.40% Stadium Surface 29.40%
The boundary of the site encompasses the immediate surroundings of the stadium within the
surrounding road, and extends to the lawn in front of the D.C. Armory. The total size of the site is 34.14 acres on the RFK Campus. Within that 34.14 acres, the stadium currently takes up 29.40% of the surface area on site. 34.40% of the site, in its current state, is pervious surface. The remainder of the site is made up of impervious surfaces, totaling at 35.65%. The majority of the pervious surface area on site is lawn, with a limited number of plant beds. The large amount of impervious surface area on the site is made up of large parking lots, that were constructed for the thousands of people that would attend sporting events, which no longer take place at the site. The stadium itself, which takes up nearly a third of the site, is no longer in use and sits vacant in the center of the site.
Concept
Throughout the design process the main goal of
Preliminary Design Sketches
the project was to memorialize Robert F. Kennedy. Since Kennedy was such a polarizing figure who accomplished so much in his life, this made choosing a concept for the design a serious challenge. Through research, many important events in Kennedy’s life held potential as a possible concept. The difficult challenge was selecting a single concept that honored Kennedy and could be consistently shown throughout the entire design. Kennedy was a very active person who valued community engagement and tried to bring hope and positivity to the Americans he served. This led to the decision to not have the memorial be a place for only mourning or grieving, but rather be a place that would honor him by bringing positivity to people that would visit the memorial park. This aided in narrowing down a concept for the project, but one had not yet been declared. After researching his accomplishments and his most famous quotes throughout his political career, one quote resonated the most.
“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to
improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other form a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” – Robert F. Kennedy
Concept Representation
This is one of Kennedy’s most famous and
powerful quotes. The quote seemed to fight perfectly as the base for the concept of the design, because of its power and the positive message it portrays. This led to the decision to have the design concept be “a Ripple” to pay homage to the words of Kennedy. The concept of the ripple will be demonstrated throughout the entire design and have the words of Kennedy live on through the landscape of the memorial park.
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Typologies Generalized Typologies
This graphic (figure 1.9) is showing the spatial organization of the
facility on site. The desired layout of the facility is to have a central entry to access the building. Within the building there will be a central plaza area, that can provide information to visitors and restrooms adjacent to this area. The building will also have space for recreation, events, and Figure 1.9
education.
This graphic (figure 2.0) is showing the spatial organization for
active recreation areas within the site in a conceptual manner. The desired layout of this space will have a central open space with areas for play or activity on opposite sides of the open space. The areas dedicated for play, mesh with the open space to make it all feel connected. The circulation of this part will go around the outside of the dedicated play areas and open Figure 2.0
space. The entry to these spaces will be through the open space, to ensure no interruption of users in the play areas.
This graphic (figure 2.1) is showing the spatial organization for
reflective areas within the site. These areas within the site will consist of memorial space, and will have multiple forms of access to enter into the memorial space. These areas will have vegetative buffers to create a sense of enclosure and to separate the reflective space on site from the other Figure 2.1
areas.
This graphic (figure 2.2) is displaying the spatial organization
for the passive recreation areas within the site in a conceptual manner. The desired layout for these spaces will have a central open space, with event space and garden spaces on opposite sides of the open space. This will give the event space and garden space their own designated areas, Figure 2.2
separate from the other areas within the space. The circulation will go around the outside of these areas, and have people enter through the open space.
Typologies and Relationship Conceptual Relationship Diagrams
These drawings (figure 2.3-2.4) are showing the desired
spatial organization in a conceptual manner. One diagram (figure 2.3), is showing that the spaces will be organized with central circulation connecting the designated spaces (memorial, passive recreation, active recreation, and the building). This spatial organization lays out the programmed spaces, so that Figure 2.3
every space has direct access to all of the other areas in the site. The other drawing (figure 2.4), displays a different spatial organization. This organization separates the different types of spaces with connections that cut through each designated space. This layout does not allow direct access from each space to the others, but creates a more transitional layout, bringing people through the different types of spaces when going through the site.
Figure 2.4
Typologies Palette RFK Community Center
Passive
Reflective
Active
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Conceptual Master Plan 1
Not to scale
N
Figure 2.5
This rendering (figure 2.5) is a preliminary design iteration for the memorial park. This design consists
of an open lawn in front of the armory with walking bridges that carry over 22nd Street, to the stadium site, turning into a canopy trail. The canopy trailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shape is alluding to the form of the stadium that the memorial park is replacing. The facility is located below the walking bridge, across the road from the lawn. The facility is a main access point in this design. There are paths surrounding the site, that cut through the center of the site in line with the pedestrian access tunnels to the north and south edges of the site. The northern half of the site consists of a large open space that is divided by a path. On either side of this open space, are areas dedicated to play. The southern half of the site is dedicated to passive recreation with a large event space and a garden space. In the center of the site below the canopy trail is the reflective space that is programmed as a memorial space. This area consists of circular reflecting pools, and is buffered by trees giving the space an enclosed feeling, and separating it from the active and passive spaces in the design.
Conceptual Master Plan 2
Not to scale
N
Figure 2.6
This rendering (figure 2.6) was a preliminary design iteration for the memorial park. This design
contains an open lawn space in front of the armory, with twin walking bridges above 22nd Street, for a unique pedestrian connection. The walking bridges connect to walking paths that surround the site. There is a plaza area across the street from the lawn with stairs that go down to the park. The northern half of the park contains the active portion of the park with a large open space, as well as a large area dedicated to play. In the center of the site there is the reflective area, that contains three rectangular reflection pools that are dedicated as the memorial space. This memorial space has vegetation buffers surrounding the space. On the southern half of the site, the facility is placed with dedicated event space adjacent to it. All of the programmed spaces have connections to the path that surrounds the park
RFK Memorial Park
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Preliminary Master Plan
This design iteration developed after the Preliminary Master Plans, carries out the concept of “the
Ripple” in a more successful manner. This plan includes a central circular water feature with water jets that is the memorial space. In addition to this there is an overlook that is accessed from the building. The surrounding programmed spaces within the site include nature walks, an urban forest, large open spaces, terraced and mounded lawns, seated garden areas, engraved memorial rocks, and seated planter walls. This design laid a groundwork, and was closer to the design solution that will appropriately memorialize Robert F. Kennedy and be a high-quality park.
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1) RFK Fountain
4) Rocks of Remembrance
7) Play Mounds
10) D.C. Armory
2) RFK Community Center
5) Nature Walk
8) Terraced Mound
11) Fields at RFK
3) S.E. Overlook
6) Urban Forest
9) Seated Garden
12) Whitney Young Memorial Bridge
Section AA’ : Size of proposed community center and overlook Urban Forest
RFK Community Center
S.E. Overlook
0’
0’
100’ 50’
RFK Memorial Park
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Solution & Recomendations
Solution & Recommendation
Figure 2.7: Final Master Plan for the RFK Stadium
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100’
200’
300’
RFK Memorial Park
400’
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Solution & Recommendation
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Figure 2.8: Final Master Plan for the RFK Stadium
1) Fountain of Hope
5) Nature Walk
9) Terraced Mound
2) RFK Community Center
6) Urban Forest
10) Seated Garden
3) S.E. Overlook
7) Play Mounds
11) D.C. Armory
4) Rocks of Remembrance
8) Lawn at RFK
12) Fields at RFK
Kennedy Community Center
Observatory
Figure 2.9: Transverse section of the Robert F. Kennedy Center. Red Dashed line represents previous topographic conditions
Fountain of Hope
13) Whitney Young Memorial Bridge
S.E. Overlook
0’
1,000’
2,000’
The design solutions, presented in the finalized master plan, carry out the mission of the project
and memorialize Robert F. Kennedy through a vibrant multi-faceted park. The spaces designed within the park provide Southeast D.C., with a central hub containing various public amenities. The form of the site, hardscapes, and softscapes were designed specifically to have significance to the life of Robert F. Kennedy. The design memorializes Kennedy in an abstract manner, through meaningful spaces that allude to important events in his life or famous words that he spoke. The design introduces an interactive park to the community, that supports activities that commemorate the values Kennedy viewed most important. Every design decision was carefully made to honor Kennedy and create a more functional site in the community, while fitting into the existing fabric of the area.
The design solution removed the existing road (22nd Street) and connected the lawn north of the
armory to the rest of the site. This creates better pedestrian circulation and access within the site, and very limited change to the vehicular circular in the area. The form of the design is shaped to express the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Rippleâ&#x20AC;?, by having intersecting circular paths that merge like ripples on a surface of water. Water itself is used in the design, which directly correlates to the concept, through a central fountain space (The Fountain of Hope) and sunken pools. The design fits within the context of the area because it adds beautiful park that meshes with the other parks located near and adjacent to the site, while also bringing new amenities to the area. The most monumental element of the design is Kennedy Community Center and Southeast Overlook. The Kennedy Community Center is a public facility on site that provides recreational and educational opportunities to the local community.
The Southeast Overlook surrounds the Fountain of Hope and connects to the roof of the first
story of the community center, and functoins as a balcony for the building. The overlook can be accessed through the community center and provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind view of the Anacostia River to East, and of Washington D.C. to the west. The shape of the overlook was designed to allude to RFK Stadium that stood on the site for six decades. The overlook also creates a gateway to visitors entering D.C. from the Whitney Young Memorial Bridge, and improves aesthetics of this entrance to the city. This design introduces a significant amount of vegetation to the site and reduces the amount of pervious surface drastically. Overall, this design solves many of the problems that were drastically affecting the site and improves connections, views, and lack of vegetation of the site, while also memorializing Robert F. Kennedy.
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Solution & Recommendation 4
5
3
1 2
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N Figure 3.0: Front entrance of the Kennedy Community Center
1) Kennedy Community Center
4) Entrance to Nature Walk
5) S.E. Overlook
2) Lawn at RFK
3) Reflecting pool
6) Granite Steppers
This portion of the site is the entrance to the Kennedy Community Center, that is heighted in the
graphics shown (figure 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2). The featured design elements in this portion of the design are the symmetrical sunken pools, pristine hardscape, and gridded trees. The sunken pools contain large granite steppers that are mirrored off of the central path leading to the Kennedy Community Center. The hardscape and trees used are consistent with other memorial areas in D.C. The pools convey the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;the rippleâ&#x20AC;? with the use of water. The Community Center and central path are aligned with the central axis to the west of the site toward the monument corridor.
Kennedy Community Center Cherry trees Granite steppers
S.E. Overlook
Figure 3.1 : Transverse section of the reflecting pools facing the Kennedy Community Center
0’
480’
960’
Figure 3.2: Perspective of the Kennedy Community Center during 4th of July celebrations
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Solution & Recommendation 4
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N Figure 3.3: Urban Forest located south of the Kennedy Community Center
1) Urban Forest
3) Seated planter
5) Rocks of Rememberance
2) Dedicated recreation space
4) Planted retention garden
6) Nature Walk
This portion of the park that is highlighted in the graphics shown (figure 3.3, 3.4, and 3.5), is an
urban forest located on the southern half of the park. This urban forest is a hardscaped area with cherry trees planted in a grid layout. The concept of this part of the park, is to allude to the grid structure and layout that is seen throughout the city of D.C. The hardscape in this space is a gray brick paving. This urban forest area, creates a unique contrast to the densely forested area and large open lawn space, on both sides of the space. The design of this area creates a unique experience that is not common in other park spaces in D.C.
Kennedy Community Center Observatory Recreation Space
S.E. Overlook
Cherry trees
Figure 3.4 : Transverse section of the Urban Forest facing the Kennedy Community Center Red Dashed line represents previous topographic conditions
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480’
960’
Figure 3.5: Recreation space in front of the Urban Forest. Nature Walk being behind the Urban Forest
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Solution & Recommendation 1) Lawn for passive recreation
2) Rocks of Remembrance
5) S.E. Overlook
6) Nature Walk
3) ADA accessible walkways
4) Planted retention garden
6 4
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N Figure 3.6: Designated open space for pasive recreation with Rocks of Remembrance to the north
This portion of the design that is highlighted in the graphics shown (figure 3.6, 3.7, and 3.8), is a reflective area and open space. The purpose of highlighting this is because the elements in this area are repeated throughout the site. These open spaces provide quality space for active or passive recreation, and are surrounded by plant beds with vibrant vegetation. The design of the reflective area is one of the most unique spaces within the park. The elements of these spaces are decorative engraved granite blocks, and lighting strips built flush into the ground. These areas are some of the most symbolic and memorial spaces in the park. The granite blocks vary in height and are built for users to interact with. Specific blocks are engraved with some of Robert F. Kennedy’s most memorable quotes. The significance of these stone blocks to the life of Kennedy is that, after his brother was assassinated a peak in the St. Elias Mountains was named Mount Kennedy in his brother’s memory. Robert found this out and with no training or recent experience, he became the first person to reach the peak of Mount Kennedy. This shows the determination and strength he had as a man and is symbolized through this design. The light strips between the stones placed in the turf, also has a significant meaning. These lighting strips are mimicking railroad tracks, to symbolize Kennedy’s funeral procession from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, to Arlington National Cemetery, where hundreds of thousands of his supports showed their appreciation for the late Robert F. Kennedy. These reflective spaces memorialize Kennedy in a powerful yet subtle way.
Nature Walk
Kennedy Community Center
Rock of Remembrance Observatory Recreation Space
S.E. Overlook
Cherry trees
Figure 3.7 : Transverse section of the Rocks or Remembrance Red Dashed line represents previous topographic conditions
0’
480’
960’
Figure 3.8: Engraved Rocks of Remembrance
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Solution & Recommendation
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5
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N Figure 4.0: Focus are of intervention
1) Fountain of Hope
3) S.E. Overlook
2) Kennedy Community Center
4) Planted seating area
5) Event space
Kennedy Community Center Event Space
Lawn
Fountain of Hope
S.E. Overlook
0’ Figure 4.1: Urban Forest located south of the Kennedy Community Center Red Dashed line represents previous topographic conditions
1,000’
2,000’
This portion of the design that is highlighted in the graphics shown (figures 4., 4.1, and 4.2), is
the selected focus area of the site design. The main elements of the memorial park are located within the contents of the selected focus area. These elements include the Kennedy Community Center, the Southeast Overlook, and the Fountain of Hope. The Community Center provides the access to the overlook. The architectural look of the Community Center has similar form and materials to the Kennedy Center located in D.C. This decision was made because of the both structures are named after members of the Kennedy family. There is also a green roof included on top of the community center. The overlook is structurally designed to mimic the shape and forms of RFK Stadium. The circular form matches the stadium, and the structural beams that support the overlook mimics the beams that gave RFK Stadium its unique architectural form. On the edges of the overlook and the balcony of the community center, there are raised planter beds that also function as railings. In the center of the site focus area, is a water feature named the Fountain of Hope in honor of Robert F. Kennedy’s famous “ripple of hope” quote. The form of the fountain is circular, and along the paths surrounding and within the fountain there are water jets. These water jets are activated by a motion sensor that will shoot a stream of water when someone walks or stands next to the jet. This feature was included to pay homage to Kennedy’s “ripple of hope” quote, where he states how if people can stand up to injustice or commit a good acts, it sends a ripple of hope and with enough of these ripples, it can create a powerful wave of energy. At the center of the fountain, there is a circular waterfall that slowly falls into a sunken portion of the fountain. The fountain is surrounded by a plant bed to buffer the memorial fountain, separating this area from the surrounding hardscaped area. There are benches lining the inside and outside of the plant bed. The hardscape paving surrounding the fountain is in a radial light gray brick pattern with strips of darker gray brick throughout the paving. The form of the darker gray brick and the choice of a radial paving pattern continues the ripple concept. The hardscaped area provides space for various types of events (farmers markets, rallies, fairs, etc.) This area highlighted creates a dynamic memorial space, with the design of monumental structures as well as subtle elements of the design that all memorializes Robert F. Kennedy.
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Solution & Recommendation
Figure 4.2: Dedicated event space around Fountain of Hope
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Plant Palette Groundcovers
Trees
Vinca minor - Periwinkle
Cornus kousa
Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny
Kousa Dogwood
Shrubs
Abelia x grandiflora
Picea pungens ‘Globosa’
Mahonia japonica
Hydrangea macrophylla
Glossy Abelia
Globe Blue Spruce
Mahonia
‘Endless Summer’ Bigleaf Hydrangea
Perennials
Astilbe x arendsii
Heuchera americana
Nepeta faassenii
Liriope muscari
‘Fanal’ Astilbe
Coral Bells
Catmint
‘Big Blue’ Lily Turf
Hypericum perforatum
Artemisia schmidtiana
Carex muskingumensis
St. John’s Wort
Silvermound
Palm Sedge
The plant palette provided is specific to the
site focus area. These plants were selected because of their ability to thrive in the hardiness zone of Washington, D.C. Not only were they selected because of their ability to grow in the location of the site, but also because they have significant beauty. There is a mixture of deciduous and evergreen plants that will bring seasonal interest, as well as a variance in bloom time among the selected plants. One significant decision that held meaning to the memorial of Robert F. Kennedy, was that many of these plants (Kousa Dogwood, Astilbe, Silver Mound, and Coral Bells) bloom in early June. This is of significance because this will mean the vegetation in the focus area will be most vibrant at the anniversary of Kennedyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death (June, 6th) and this honor and remember his life in a special way
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Plant Schedule Cornus kousa- Kousa Dogwood
Vinca minor - Periwinkle
Lysimachia nummularia Creeping Jenny Abelia x grandiflora- Glossy Abelia Picea pungens ‘Globosa’ Globe Blue Spruce Mahonia japonica- Mahonia
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘EndlessSummer’ -Bigleaf Hydrangea
Astilbe x arendsii ‘Fanal’- Astilbe
Heuchera americana- Coral Bells
Nepeta faassenii- Catmint
Liriope muscari ‘Big Blue’- Lily Turf
Hypericum perforatum- St. John’s Wort
Artemisia schmidtiana- Silvermound
Carex muskingumensis- Palm Sedge
Jan
Dec
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Materials Palette
Scalloped, Gray Brick Paving
Fieldstone Seated Walls
Wood, Iron, and Cable Railing
Running Bond, Gray Brick Paving
Large Granite Stone Blocks
Steel Flag Poles
White Granite Paving
White Granite Pool Steppers
Decorative Steel Posts
Concrete Paving
Concrete Steps
White Pea Gravel
Steel Benches
Curved Lighting Strips
Concrete Overhead Structure
The materials selected for this memorial park design were chose to, create an elegant and high-quality memorial landscape. The materials in the design were also selected to have a similar look to the other memorials that exist in Washington, D.C. to have the park fit into the location and not stand out and seem out of place. Some of these materials also bring vibrancy to the memorial park as well, making the park an attraction that visitors will want to go see.
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Conclusion
As the demolish of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
is to take place within the next two years, this will be removing a structure that has been a staple to Southeast D.C. for decades. The demolish is for good reason, since the stadium has laid vacant for more than two, but with that being said the community deserves to have the site developed into a new focal point for the area that will benefit the good of the community. With the design solutions presented, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Park provides a viable option to develop on the site that will bring activity to this area that has not seen any for long time.
This memorial park will supply the community with
amenities that are not provided on a public level, and will provide a public outdoor space that will bring the community together. On top of providing areas for local community engagement the design will be an attraction that will bring visitors to the area, engaging the community on a larger scale. The development of a park on this site also fits within the existing context of the site, as it is surround by parks and areas dedicated for passive and active recreation, and community events.
These communal benefits that the memorial park will
provide is one aspect that makes this a very suitable idea to develop on the site. Another aspect that makes this a viable option to develop is the memorialization to Robert F. Kennedy. The site and the surrounding campus have been named in his memory since his unexpected death. A memorial park dedicated to him that is designed specifically to support the values he viewed most important would memorialize him in a manner that would carry out his legacy indefinitely.
The design solutions presented create a more functional
landscape and properly memorializes a space that is already dedicated in memory of a leader who made great contributions to the country. This design also creates a gateway at a major entrance of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. This design covers all of the bases of making this a utilized space with great meaning, and an asset to the community of Southeast D.C.
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Bibliography Abrams, Amanda. “Real Estate.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 29 Feb. 2012, www.washingtonpost.com/ realestate/2012/02/24/gIQAJjmHiR_story.html?_=ddid-7-1588981740.
This website contained detailed information regarding the history of Barney Circle.
Apple Tree Institute. “Schools.” AppleTree, 2016, www.appletreeinstitute.org/institute/about/.
This website contained information of Apple Tree institute. The website had information that helped
describe the institutions missions and goals. Biography.com Editors. “Robert Kennedy.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 3 Dec. 2019, www. biography.com/political-figure/robert-kennedy.
This website contained a detailed history on the life of Robert F. Kennedy. It went through his entire
life from early childhood, until his assassination and funeral. This resource supplied useful information on the man who the design is dedicated to. It supplied knowledge on who Kennedy was and shaped what direction the memorial would take. Ghostsofdc. “Incredible Aerial Views of D.C. From Anacostia.” Ghosts of DC, 3 Apr. 2013, ghostsofdc. org/2013/04/03/incredible-aerial-views-of-d-c-from-anacostia/.
This website contained historic photos of events that happend in Washignton D.C. and other historic
documents like maps and statistics. Dc.gov Editors. “Bicycle Lanes.” Bicycle Lanes, 2019, ddot.dc.gov/page/bicycle-lanes.
This website provided information on bicycle routes and lanes.
Dc.gov Editors. “Share the Road: Tips for Drivers, Cyclists, and Pedestrians.” Share the Road: Tips for Drivers, Cyclists, and Pedestrians, 2019, mpdc.dc.gov/page/share-road-tips-drivers-cyclists-and-pedestrians.
This website provide helpful tips for bicyclist to stay safe while biking in Washington D.C. Also
included a Share the Road document that went further into safety tips. DCPreservationLeague.com Editors. “Barney Circle Neighborhood.” DC Preservation League, www. dcpreservation.org/endangered_place/barney-circle-neighborhood/.
This website contained information regarding the architectural characteristic of Barney Circle.
Gintoff, Vladimir. “Spotlight: Maya Lin.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 5 Oct. 2019, www.archdaily.com/774717/ spotlight-maya-lin.
Provided a detailed history of Maya Lin, the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The website
also gave a thorough description of the design process she went through.
History.com Editors. “Robert Kennedy.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history. com/topics/1960s/robert-f-kennedy.
This website contained a detailed history on the life of Robert F. Kennedy. It went through his
entire life from early childhood, until his assassination and funeral. This resource supplied useful information on the man who the design is dedicated to. It supplied knowledge on who Kennedy was and shaped what direction the memorial would take. Kingmanpark.com Editors. “History.” Kingman Park, kingmanpark.com/history.html.
This website contained a descriptive history regarding Kingman Park. Also gave information about
the opportunities surrounding the area. Landezine.com Editors. “Landezine Newsletter.” Landezine, 7 Nov. 2014, landezine.com/index. php/2014/11/diana-princess-of-wales-memorial-fountain-by-gustafson-porter-landscape-architecture/.
This source was used for the case study completed on the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial
Fountain. This website provided information about the designer of the site and how they memorialized the late Princess through landscape and the elements of the landscape. Missouri Botanical Garden, et al. Plant Finder, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/ plantfindersearch.aspx.
This website supplied information on plants that aided in the planting design of the site. The
source was also used for photographs that are included in the planting palette and schedule. “The Park.” Kennedy King Memorial Initiative, 2016, kennedykingindy.org/the-park.
This website provided information for the case study of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, in
Indianapolis, Indiana. The source provided information about the designer of the site and the purpose of his design decisions, and why he chose to incorporate the elements included in the park The Perennial Farm. “The Perennial Farm 202 Wholesale Nursery Catalog”. Perennial Farm, Growing For You, Whats Native, Treadwell Plants, Deerleerious Plants. Perennial Farm, 2020.
This catalog provided information on a large variety of perennial plant material. This source was a
big assistance in decide what plants to incorporate in the design. It also provided information on spacing for the plants and what plants could do well in the environment on site.
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Bibliography “RFK Stadium - History, Photos and More of the Washington Senators and Nationals Former Ballpark.” Ballparks of Baseball - Your Guide to Major League Baseball Stadiums, 2001, www.ballparksofbaseball.com/ ballparks/rfk-stadium/.
This source gave a detailed history of the RFK stadium, that is being removed. It supplied information
about the professional sports teams who used it over its six decades of use. This was an important source for how the site was used in the past and gave information that assisted in the analysis of the site. “Robert F. Kennedy Quotes (Author of Thirteen Days).” Goodreads, Goodreads, 2020, www.goodreads.com/ author/quotes/98221.Robert_F_Kennedy.
This website contained over fifty of Robert F. Kennedy’s most famous quotes. Kennedy was a gifted
public speaker and had many quotes of deep meaning. This source website gave the word-for-word statements from Kennedy’s speeches that gave hope to the American people and empowered the people of this nation. Wasserman, Judith R. “To Trace the Shifting Sands: Community, Ritual, and the Memorial Landscape.” Landscape Journal, vol. 17, no. 1, 1 Jan. 1998, pp. 42–61., doi:10.3368/lj.17.1.42.
This article provided quality insight to the meaning of memorial landscape. It gave information on how
an outdoor space or structure can memorialize a person or an event. This article gave guidance as to how the design of the stadium site can honor the memory of Robert F. Kennedy.
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