Page 22 - Winter_2018

ArchDC Winter 2018.qxp_Winter 2018 11/27/18 9:33 AM Page 20

The space before insertion of the new pavilions.
Courtesy of Studio Twenty Seven Architecture

The new intercity bus hub at Union Station, with the waiting room at left,
and the information and retail pavilion at right.
Photos © Anice Hoachlander / Hoachlander Davis Photography

Honorable Mention in Civic Architecture

Tranquil Transit
Washington, DC

Studio Twenty Seven
Architecture
Structural Engineers: Ehlert Bryan, Inc. The information pavilion.
MEP Engineers: MC Engineers
General Contractor: Monarc Construction

A few blocks from the Capitol, in the hulking, utilitarian parking spell out lyrics from “Soul Meets Body,” a song by Death Cab for
structure behind Union Station, is Washington’s intercity bus hub. Cutie that references long-distance bus travel.
Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) selected The second pavilion is an enclosed, climate-controlled waiting
Studio Twenty Seven Architecture to make much-needed room with nicely detailed wood-slat walls, an outdoor terrace
improvements to the facility, which was squeezed into an extension with bamboo plants, and floor-to-ceiling windows on
awkwardly configured corner of the garage dominated by three sides. The third pavilion, made from a recycled shipping
escalators and bare concrete. The goal, Studio Twenty Seven says, container, houses restrooms. The three structures were designed
was to create a sense of place in a situation of placelessness. to last about 10 years, which is when the area is projected to be
The project inserted three new pavilions into the site. The first redeveloped as part of the mammoth Burnham Place development
is a linked pair of ovoid structures that houses an information envisaged for Union Station.
stand and a small retail store. The pavilion’s flat, yellow-painted The project was previously covered in the Spring 2015 issue
sides are textured with raised Morse Code dots and dashes that of ARCHITECTUREDC.

20 ON COMMON GROUND