OMA unveils two masterplan concepts for RFK campus

OMA unveils two masterplan concepts for RFK campus in washington DC
(above) north-south axis concept: view from east with 20K arena
image © OMA / rendering by robota

events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the district of columbia, has revealed details of two conceptual plans for the 190-acre RFK stadium-armory campus site. the plans have been drafted by OMA new york, led by partner jason long, in collaboration with DC-based program management team, brailsford & dunlavey. located in the district’s southeast corridor, the transformational vision for the RFK campus seeks to leverage the region’s waterfront, provide neighborhood amenities, and connect the current site with increased and sustainable green space. the proposals deliver both short and long-term plans for the site.

north-south axis concept: aerial view of the esplanade
image © OMA / rendering by robota

‘after extensive planning, outreach, public input and involvement, the entire events DC board and staff are so proud to present these two conceptual plans for the RFK stadium-armory campus,’ said max brown, chairman of the board of directors for events DC. ‘our vision for the campus’ future — which is aligned with community wants and needs — is to create a special and amazing place that celebrates the district of columbia’s beauty and history – while also acting as a shining example of urban living that can attract residents and visitors, while at the same time, maintain the rich and strong local identity that currently is appreciated and valued by all of us.’

north-south axis concept: sheltered esplanade
image © OMA

the washington DC site benefits from its position adjacent to the national mall, prominent neighborhoods, and its access to a waterfront gateway along the anacostia river — a feature which remains underutilized. the conceptual plans are represented through two separate design concepts — ‘north-south axis’ and ‘stitch’ — each illustrating a different configuration or layout for the site. these design concepts offer two alternative approaches to addressing parking, infrastructure and road network, pedestrian connections, site conditions and program placement.

north-south axis concept: beneath the roof
image © OMA

within both schemes, there are three anchor tenant scenarios: a 20K seat arena, an NFL Stadium, and no anchor. all three scenarios reflect a phased approach intended to provide short-term programming elements that will immediately activate the site and serve the community. these short-term uses, evident in both concepts, include sports, recreation, culture and park space.

north-south axis concept: aerial view from the north
image © OMA / rendering by robota

jason long, OMA new york’s partner-in-charge, commented, ‘our goal for both design concepts is to reconnect the campus to existing neighborhoods 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 revitalizing the campus’ identity from passive space to active place and transform its urban character from pavement to park.’

north-south axis concept: aerial view from the south
image © OMA / rendering by robota

‘the conceptual 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,’ added gregory a. o’dell, president and chief executive officer of events DC. ‘our conceptual plans aim to provide accessibility across the campus’ unique topography and access to nearby waterways while creating dynamic open space.’

see more illustrations from each of the two concepts in the gallery at the bottom of the page.

stitch concept: aerial view from the east
image © OMA / rendering by robota