CityCenterDC

Recognition

• Tucker Design Award, Building Stone Institute, 2018
• Excellence in Mixed-Use Development, Urban Land Institute Washington, 2015
• LEED ND Gold

The City Center Plaza Fountains represent a novel approach to a public space, most notably the quick transformation of a walking surface from a wet, active and mirrored surface to one of dry paving. Either one can be traversed on foot. Four rectangular, independently controlled scrims can be operated in wet or dry mode, creating a changing landscape to the returning visitor. Two of the scrims have straw-like solid stream jets installed flush with the scrim surface which add verticality and an enhanced invitation to play. With the jets off, the space becomes quiet and invites the curious to walk across the shallow, still surface while wetting only the soles of their shoes. Within an hour’s time, the space becomes dry, open and accessible for a variety of events.

Sustainability is fostered by collecting fountain overflow in a cistern/retention system. This helps the overall site achieve zero storm water discharge. Additionally, a regeneration filtering method is used that reduces maintenance and eliminates unclean backwash effluent common to traditional filtering methods.