Did you know that Washington, DC has 3,217 alleys which, when unraveled, total 246 linear miles? There are 82,397 single-family residential properties with alley frontage in the District. If each of those properties added alley housing / accessory apartments with an average of 2.28 persons per household, that could be space for 187,900 new residents!
Born of urban pressures in the 19th century, the city’s alleys were later neglected, yet they can be reinvigorated for the 21st century. Through research, analysis, public engagements and physical interventions, the Washington Alley Project examines the city’s informal alley network as a viable site for new modes of urban living, creating opportunities to adapt to the social and technological pressures of the present and future without sacrificing architectural heritage.
Created by EL Studio, this award-winning, ongoing research and public space advocacy initiative has comprised of three phases: Research - mapping the physical evolution of the alleys and establishing an agenda for future development; Outreach - public engagement, creation of awareness and the identification of program; and Advocacy – connecting with stakeholders and the development of design proposals for new built interventions.
I was responsible for designing facade, alley board, and survey graphics in correspondence with the AIA DAC and Ferris Co. Fabrication.
EXHIBITION OVERVIEW
RESEARCH AND OUTREACH: ALLEY BOARD 1
RESEARCH AND OUTREACH: ALLEY BOARD 2
RESEARCH AND OUTREACH: ALLEY BOARD 3
