Shaping a quality public realm Matthew J. Bell, FAIA Professor- Univ. of Maryland Principal- Perkins Eastman Architects

How to shape a quality public realm Good design principles Role of density in achieving community goals Role of ANC Commissioners in PUDs How can they best represent the public interest in this process?

How to shape a quality public realm Embrace history Support housing diversity Provide convenient and accessible retail and transit Design connected, multi-modal streets Introduce green infrastructure Deploy buildings to define the public realm

Embrace History

Housing diversity and choice Housing for all stages of life in one community (avoid monoculture) Physical integration means economic integration Social equity More housing, more choice

Housing diversity

Chevy Chase DC Conn. And Nebraska Van Ness Woodley Park Cleveland Park Chevy Chase DC Conn. and Nebraska Van Ness Woodley Park Cleveland Park Conn. Ave: Retail, housing and transit

commercial Single Family Duplex Apartments

Coverage & density

Reversed fg

Green Infrastructure

Defining the street

Design multi-modal streets

Turning Radius Crossing Distance* Increased Crossing Distance** 5 m (16.4 ft = 196 in) 10.8 m (35.4 ft = 424 in) 0.8 m (2.6 ft = 30 in) 10 m (32.8 ft = 392 in) 15.7 m (51.5 ft = 617 in) 5.7 m (18.7 ft = 223 in) 15 m (49.2 ft = 591 in) 22 m (72.2 ft = 866 in) 12 m (39.4 ft = 472 in)

Walk-able towns and villages

Defining the street

How to shape a quality public realm Walk-able urbanism –Interconnected streets and neighborhoods –Buildings that define the public realm –Neighborhood retail within 10 minute walk –Access to transit choice –Safe and green streets

The ANC

Role of ANC Commissioners in PUDs? How can they best represent the public interest in this process? The ANC

How can ANC’s best represent the public interest in this process? Ask a lot of questions Understand what public benefits are possible Discuss in the context of “interests,” not “positions”

How can ANC’s best represent the public interest in this process? What will this place be like? –Picture? Precedent? How is the public environment designed? How does the design relate to our neighborhood?