The Capitol Collective: A Community Centered Creator's Hub that Enhances the Pedestrian Experience

Abstract

The Capitol Collective is a community centered creator's hub that anchors the proposed Capitol Hill Art Trail – an alley network programmed to enhance local beauty and promote community pride. Located in one of the most walkable cities in the United States, Washington, D.C., this thesis explores pedestrian environments that are deemed 'the best' according to the district's Pedestrian Friendliness Index (PFI), with a focus on the Capitol Hill neighborhood. While dozens of blocks in the area are ranked within the top 1,000 of the district, several others are deemed less desirable. This begs the question, what constitutes an ideal pedestrian environment, and how can we as designers contribute to creating architecture that thoughtfully integrates with, and improves upon, the pedestrian experience?

Observing and documenting street conditions of both higher and lower ranked blocks demonstrated that blocks with higher rankings embraced the walker's experience by incorporating programs such as sidewalk cafes and restaurants, inviting transit plazas, playgrounds, outdoor markets, and more. Through this initial research, a scope of roughly twenty-seven blocks was identified as an area that could be improved upon. The existing area has the foundation for a flourishing, walkable hub for the community, but it currently lacks the inviting qualities that it's neighboring blocks have. This thesis proposes to fill these gaps through the built environment by creating a programmed art trail that is anchored through a community workshop and residence.

The Capitol Collective's mission is to build community through creation. At the heart of the project are the wood shop and metal fabrication lab that are open to all community members. There also classrooms where individuals can learn from one another, a tool library where locals can rent out items, and studio spaces for local reoccurring artists. The ground floor of the newly constructed building also boasts a cafe and warehouse-like spaces for local artists to set up and sell their goods. Levels two through three of the new construction building are programmed with affordable housing that prioritize individuals who are committed to improving and supporting the local community.