CLIMATE RESPONSE

Learn to identify and apply strategies for combating climate change-related challenges such as coastal floods, heavy rains, extreme heat, and wildfires in the context of urban environments.

 

Understand how to empower local communities for active participation in climate resilience planning and promoting social equity.

 

Discover methods to convert large, underutilized urban sites into climate-resilient communities, integrating ecological and cultural elements.

 

Analyze the principles of sustainable city planning, including ecological integration, diversity of employment hubs, accessible amenities, and sustainable transportation strategies.

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ADAPTING FOR TOMORROW 

 Analyze the role of sustainable public transportation in fostering equitable urban development and accommodating varied transit modes.

 

Examine the impact of public art installations on community engagement, public space preservation, and economic activity.

 

Understand how urban landscape design can enhance community identity, inclusivity, and engagement.

 

Recognize the influence of culture and education on future city design, and how public spaces foster social interaction and cultural heritage.

 

Investigate the role of revamped public spaces in community recovery and investments post-Covid.

 

Discuss the importance of people-centric city planning in ensuring safety, diverse land use, and economic stability.

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TECH IMPACT

Evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on enhancing the safety, health, and ecological sustainability of urban environments.

 

Explore how autonomous vehicles can improve urban streetscapes for greater pedestrian safety, accessibility, and overall welfare.

 

Understand the potential of drone-based transit to boost urban connectivity, promote social justice and enhance public welfare in medium-sized cities.

 

Learn about the role of AI and augmented reality in fostering sustainable urban planning that prioritizes public health, safety, and welfare.

 

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THE URBAN SHIFT

Gain insights into the impacts of modern trends like climate change, AI, and social justice on urban revitalization and transformation of city landscapes.

 

Delve into inclusive, equitable urban design strategies and their potential impact on social justice in the evolving post-pandemic city context.

 

Investigate methods for transforming urban areas into vibrant, sustainable communities, addressing the unique challenges of downtown recovery.

 

Understand the concept and benefits of transit-oriented designs, highlighting their role in transforming isolated locations into neighborhood-scaled, socially interactive, and accessible developments.

 

Examine the process of suburban revitalization, focusing on the transformation of commercial zones into walkable, mixed-use areas that enhance public health and welfare.

 

Learn about different planning stages in effective urban redesign projects, with a focus on prioritizing health, and welfare in city transformations.

 

 

FROM PARKING LOTS TO PLACES

Explore the urban design, architecture, and development of Pike & Rose District to understand the urban form of suburban development outside Washington, DC.

 

Explain the planning legacy and tools used to influence development and design in this community.

 

Analyze environmental and sustainability measures implemented at both district and building scales.

Identify trends of suburban downtowns and new development and market pressures after the pandemic.

 

 

WMATA NEW HQ TOUR

Explore the impact of the new WMATA Headquarters facility on the development and evolving design of the L’Enfant Plaza neighborhood.

 

Examine the arts program as part of a holistic experience in design for public transit and public transit facilities, such as the new HQ.

 

Explore Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles and apply them to urban centers in the Washington region as it relates to WMATA resources.

 

Illustrate the importance of public transit in creating vibrant and equitable communities.

 

 

UNION MARKET DISTRICT

Explore the impact of the history and evolution of the Union Market District.

 

Examine the impact of markets on cities and important economic and social hubs, using Union Market as an example.

 

Discuss the development pressures and changes as it relates to equity, affordable housing, market-rate housing, and changes since the pandemic.

 

Explore how urban design impacts the success of retail-rich urban spaces.

 

 

DISTRICT WHARF

Explore the impact of the history and evolution of the District Wharf, especially as it relates to working waterfronts.

 

Examine the impacts of climate change on riverfront development.

 

Discuss the development pressures and changes as it relates to equity, affordable housing, market-rate housing, and changes since the pandemic.

 

Explore how strategic mixes of uses, intentional design guidelines, and phased development supported the success of the District Wharf in DC.

 

 

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE 

Examine the upcoming past and upcoming planning process for our nation’s most symbolic Avenue.

 

Illustrate how the Avenue can serve both federal/national symbolic functions while also serving the local workers, residents, and visitors as a vibrant urban street.

 

Discuss NCPC’s approach to design guidelines and streetscape character with a complex mix of uses and ownership.

 

Understand how civic infrastructure can serve as a platform for equitable access for all and ensure stewardship for centuries into the future.

 

 

ANACOSTIA + 11th STREET BRIDGE PARK 

Explore principles of equity and policies implemented to work against the negative pressures of gentrification from public investment in the Anacostia community of Washington.

 

Illustrate how long-range planning and design have become a model for the implementation of urban park and infrastructure projects across the nation.

 

Discuss how the reuse of infrastructure for new civic functions can contribute to healing the city and urban environment.

 

Identify how urban parks can contribute to environmental sustainability and increase wellness in communities.

 

 

NATIONAL LANDING AT CRYSTAL CITY 

Explore how incredible private and public investment in a set of aging communities supports a revived urban core for mixed-use development and communities.

 

Discuss how multifaceted projects from infrastructure to public space to architectural development and community facilities are contributing to the largest walkable downtown in Virginia.

 

Examine how the pandemic changed and/or amplified the development in National Landing and Crystal City.

 

Identify sustainability goals and illustrate how they’re being achieved through new construction and adaptive reuse.

 

 

NATIONAL LANDING AT POTOMAC YARD

Explore how incredible private development alongside massive public educational investment can create a catalyst for change in a community.

 

Discuss how land-banking planning strategies over the past decades set the stage for the walkable communities being developed today.

 

Examine the effect a new infill metrorail public transit station is having on the development and potential of National Landing and the Potomac Yard neighborhood.

 

Identify how innovation and technology goals support on-the-ground planning, urban design, and architectural strategies for creating places that people want to use and love.