OMA reveal masterplan concepts for vast Robert F. Kennedy sports complex in Washington D.C.
by Kim Megson | 06 Apr 2016
The New York office of international architecture studio OMA has unveiled two masterplan concepts to renew a vast sports and cultural complex in Washington D.C.
The 190-acre RFK Stadium-Armory Campus would be located in the Southeast corridor of the District of Columbia, on a site which currently houses the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, is overseeing the project with DC-based programme management team Brailsford & Dunlavey.
OMA New York, led by partner Jason Long, have been tasked with delivering “holistic concepts” that leverage the District’s waterfront, provide amenities for the neighbourhood and create new swathes of green space and pedestrian pathways.
Facilities listed that could be introduced quickly include an ice rink, market plaza, splash park, amphitheatre, floating pool, urban beach, indoor athletics centre, aquatics centre, cultural or science museum, running trails and an entertainment complex
OMA’s two conceptual plans illustrate a different configuration of the site, providing alternative approaches to parking, infrastructure and transport networks.
Both concepts imagine three anchor tenant scenarios: a 20,000-capacity arena, a large National Football League (NFL) Stadium or no tenant. NFL franchise the Washington Redskins – who recently unveiled their vision for a new Bjarke Ingels’ designed ground with no set location – are reportedly one of the tenants under consideration for the project, alongside basketball club the Washington Wizards and hockey side Washington Capitals.
Long said: “Our goal for both design concepts is to reconnect the Campus to existing neighbourhoods to the north and south, to bring the District closer to the Anacostia waterfront and to transform the site from a space designed for watching sports, dominated by asphalt, into a new gateway to DC that elevates public health with diverse recreational programming.
“Both concepts provide a strategy for revitalising the Campus’ identity from passive space to active place and transform its urban character from pavement to park.”
Gregory A. O’Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC, added: “The plans we have unveiled present a once in a lifetime opportunity to reimagine the 190-acre site in a way that delivers an amenity for everyone. It also has the ability to create another vibrant destination within Washington DC for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The RFK Memorial Stadium is currently occupied by Major League Soccer franchise D.C United, who plan to relocate to a new 25,000 Populous-inspired stadium in city’s Buzzard Point by 2017.
OMA Events DC Washington Robert F. Kennedy Bjarke Ingels
The first concept, called the N-S Axis, includes an abundance of green space Credit: OMA with renderings by Robota
The complex is being designed as a sports, culture and leisure destination for the whole community Credit: OMA
The second masterplan, called the Stitch, has a rail link at its heart Credit: OMA with renderings by Robota
Architect Jason Long said: 'Both concepts provide a strategy for revitalising the Campus’ identity from passive space to active place and transform its urban character from pavement to park'
Credit: OMA
OMA New York have been tasked with delivering 'holistic concepts' that leverage the District’s waterfront and create new swathes of green space and pedestrian pathways Credit: OMA with renderings by Robota
Both masterplans could facilitate stadiums for an anchor tenant, such as an NFL ground Credit: OMA with renderings by Robota
The Stitch masterplan includes local football pitches Credit: OMA
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The New York office of international architecture studio OMA has unveiled two masterplan concepts to renew a vast sports and cultural complex in Washington D.C. The 190-acre RFK Stadium-Armory Campus would be located in the Southeast corridor of the District of Columbia, on a site which currently houses the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, is overseeing the
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