Bridging Anacostia

Abstract

Countless cities face issues of disconnection. Washington, DC's Anacostia neighborhood remains physically, socially, and economically separated from the city at-large, while failing to take advantage of its proximity to an under utilized waterfront. This thesis explores ideas about "bridging", not only physically but also metaphorically and socially. Interstate 295, as a physical and perceptual barrier, has had the most negative impact on this area. This thesis proposes to create connections between Anacostia, the waterfront, and greater Washington, DC by engaging land use into and beneath the highway thereby creating thresholds between Anacostia, the waterfront, and greater Washington, DC. Furthermore, this thesis sites the Frederick Douglass neighborhood and heritage center which not only bridges the highway, but also creates a physical link between historic Anacostia and the waterfront.