Letter
Dear Mr. Tangherlini:
During its meeting of 17 March 2005, the Commission reviewed designs for street furniture and additional information for the Anacostia Waterfront Transportation Architecture Design Standards.
The Commission continues to support the incorporation of contemporary design of the street furniture and lighting systems in situations where it is appropriate, such as transportation corridors and new neighborhood developments. However, the Commission questioned the proposed "traditional" and "contemporary" categories. They will be jarring at transition points. A blurring of the design languages, such as the same bench and trash can with different finishes, would enable a more graceful transition between the two scenarios and allow for the necessary differences occurring in the lighting fixture designs. In addition, the logic of deployment of the new streetscape elements needs to be more developed, with monumental streets reading as special corridors and areas of new development expressing their individuality while remaining part of the greater city.
The Commission is excited about the possibility of incorporating new technology into new and existing street lighting fixtures and is interested in seeing the design mock-ups and samples currently available for review. Please make arrangements for a site visit before our 21 April meeting. The Commission looks forward to reviewing further developments as the project progresses. As always, the staff is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary
Dan Tangherlini, Director
District Department of Transportation
2000 14th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
cc: Kathleen Penney, DDOT