Washington Monument, Washington, D.C.

An elegant solution to a tremendous problem. The landscape architect has put the focus back on the monument and provided security through gentle grading and beautiful amenities, like trees and seating. The resolution of the geometry is very simple and sophisticated."

— 2008 Professional Awards Jury Comments




PROJECT STATEMENT: The revitalized Washington Monument articulates the site’s character and identity within the context of the National Mall and demonstrates the art and craft of landscape architecture in a very prominent place. The design is bold and clear; a minimalist solution that turned a project originally funded to prevent terrorism into a handsome civic amenity. It is proof that the union of sound security and artful design is not only possible, but can be functional and graceful.

PROJECT NARRATIVE: The Washington Monument is an icon of American freedom and democracy. Its 72-acre grounds play a vital cultural role, providing a public space for demonstrations, celebrations, entertainment and recreation for millions of people each year. A need to upgrade exterior security provisions came to the forefront after 9/11, leading to an invited design competition for the Monument grounds. The landscape architect won the competition with an elegant security solution, and in the process, successfully proposed much needed landscape improvements. The Washington Monument grounds had become unattractive and the Monument was left standing in a disrespectful and unacceptable physical setting. The grounds consisted of an irregular and poorly-graded hill with struggling eroded grass, cracked concrete and asphalt drives used for walks that ran straight up the hill violating contemporary standards for accessibility. A poorly-designed and disfiguring concrete block hot dog stand had been built against the historic Monument lodge on the central axis toward the United States Capitol. A surface parking lot marred the view on axis with the White House. Huge bunkers on each of the compass points housed outmoded search lights for evening illumination, providing both a blinding hazard and huge clouds of insects at the ground near the Monument. The concrete Jersey barriers and squad cars ringing the Monument part way up the mound contributed to the ground’s ills.


From the outset of the project, the design intent was to determine how best to turn an anti-terrorist defense project into a welcoming civic space. The history of the site, its dimensions and proportions, circulation routes, and research regarding contemporary vehicular barriers and bomb blasts were intensely researched. Since the Monument sits atop a significant hill, disabled access was also studied. In addition, traditional, unobtrusive fencing and barrier designs of 18th century European estates were considered for their effectiveness as physical deterrents. Landscape architects have designed barriers for centuries. In 18th century England and France, sunken walls were frequently employed to prevent livestock from gaining access to country houses and chateaus while providing visual continuity. It was also noted that Olmsted and Vaux had used low stone walls to resolve grading issues and direct the movement of pedestrian and horse-drawn vehicles at the United States Capitol grounds. Deploying a combination of these two strategies, a scheme was developed.

The design brings resolution to the landscape deftly. Representative of this are the low 30-inch granite-finished walls. The curving walls are configured in a graceful pattern appropriate to the spirit of the Mall and the Monument. They safeguard against automobiles and trucks entering the site and also provide a resting place without distraction from one’s view.