Psychology Plaza

Location: Washington, DC

Description: A harsh urban environment surrounds this site; therefore, the central idea of this plaza was to create a pedestrian oasis. Using the metaphor of water to guide the design process, shady pedestrian islands, sheltering banks, and a flowing cascade of grasses and vines were introduced to the site. The once severe space is now a haven for lunchtime office workers and others who stop to enjoy this shady refuge. The plaza really functions as an urban park.

All of this hardscape and planting is built on-structure on the top deck of a parking garage. Planters and raised terraces provide sufficient soil depths to install lush vegetation, including shade trees, shrubs, and perennial planting, which create numerous shaded seating areas.