Variable, undulating screens of metal “fins” that create a unique sensory experience within the existing underpass environments ultimately mediating the various zones of activity found within the spaces.
The team of RKW and REFORM submitted this concept for the NoMa Underpass design competition. We focused on unifying and enhancing the multiple underpass locations within this mixed-use community that once completed would become a unique branded destination.
Our concept installs screens of brightly colored fins (pixels) within the structural column bays that separate the underpass “zones of activity” between the pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Utilizing a variety of existing site conditions or “forces” – movement, sound light – the fins are uniquely folded into undulating, visually porous surfaces. As a result, the environments are activated by these ever-changing, sensory rich, visually dynamic, large-scale art forms.
Additionally the underpass environments would be enhanced with coordinating architectural entrance elements, graphic identifiers and supplemental pedestrian lighting. Ultimately, The Florida Avenue Transition, The M Street Transition, The L Street Transition and The K Street Transition (Collectively: The NoMa Transitions”) will become a series of contemporary artistic installations that together would establish an environmental brand within the NoMa community, unlike any other.
