Connecting the Past, Contextualizing the Present, Constructing the Future: Bladensburg Interpretive Center

Abstract

This thesis proposes to investigate how the built environment can mediate the past, present, and future. By creating a narrative path through history and community, this design will show how the built environment can connect a place throughout time, help a community value what has created today and focus on what will create a better tomorrow This thesis will address these issues through the lens of a War of 1812 Bicentennial Interpretive Center located in Bladensburg, Maryland. Although the town witnessed one of the most momentous battles in American history, and is among the oldest municipalities in the region, modern Bladensburg under-utilizes its significant historic capital. Additionally, in-sensitive responses to environmental and regional transportation issues have torn through the city, dividing many of the potential amenities from Bladensburg citizens and stifling any hopes of commercial development