PROJECT 57

"11TH STREET BRIDGE PARK - ANACOSTIA CROSSING"

Oma + Olin

Our design for the 11th Street Bridge Park– the Anacostia Crossing– is a place of exchange. The park will connect two historically disparate sides of the river with a series of outdoor programmed spaces and active zones that will provide an engaging place hovering above, yet anchored in, the Anacostia River. To create this place— more destination than elevated thoroughfare— we have designed the bridge park as a clear moment of intersection where the two sides of the river converge and coexist. Anacostia Crossing will be a site of multiple destinations and layered programs, presenting a new neighborhood park, an after hours destination for the nearby workers, a retreat for residents, and a territory for tourists to explore.

Paths from each side of the river operate as springboards - sloped ramps that elevate visitors to maximized look out points to landmarks in either direction. Extending over the river, the Anacostia paths join to form a loop, embracing the single path from the Navy Yard side and linking the opposing banks in a single gesture. The resulting form of the bridge creates an iconic encounter, an "X" readily recognizable as a new image for the river.

While the bridge is a unique and iconic structure, its character and essence are rooted in making the river landscape accessible to the community. Through programmed activities and interpretive elements the bridge will showcase the unique cultural and natural history of the region. To encourage visitors to come and spend time on the bridge and neighboring communities throughout the year, amenities for comfort and refreshment (restrooms and food), mitigation of climate extremes (shade and warmth), and opportunities for seasonal programming are provided along the entire length of the bridge, highlighting events with strong roots in the adjacent communities.