Towersin a park

A photo essay on Tilden Gardens :: 3000 Tilden Street, NW, Washington DC 20008 :: By Atul Sharma

IntroductionAt first glance, the group of buildings in Tilden Gardens might appear as a "Towers in the Park" arrangement, an urban asembly format that has become synonymous with public housing projects in the United States. But a closer look reveals a beautiful relationship between architecture, landscape and crafts. With skillful handling of the public realm, sensible choice of materials and sensitive architectural design, these buildings beautifully bridge a modern parti with traditional architecutre.

Source: DC's Best Addresses by James Goode

EdgesBigger buildings along Connecticut Avenue stand close to the sidewalk and gracefully define the "Urban Room". As we move along Tilden Street and Sedgewick Street in the back, the edges become more playful, setting back and projecting forth to create varying setbacks and we begin to see more green at the base of the buildings.

EntrancesEach building has a unique, beautifully designed entrance. The larger buildings along Connecticut Avenue are entered through formal forecourts while the buildings on Tilden Street and Sedwick Street are smaller, picturesque entrances with winding paths leading to the human scaled portals.

PathsInviting paths lead us to the interior of the block. It is remarkable how much of the land area was left open not just for landscaping, but also accessible to the public. From Spanish steps to meadering walks, these paths draw us inward to experience the beautiful buildings sitting in verdant nature.

Places to SitUpon arrival in the interior of the block, we find nestled within the landscape, a variety of places to sit. Benches, chairs and seating built into the site walls as well as terraces provide many opportunities to relax, contemplate and admire.

Places to Sit

ArticulationThe large cruciform buildings are broken down into a series of architectural elements, big and small. These occur near the ground as entrances, within the the main facade in the form of window arrangements and bays and towards the top as dormers, gables and chinmeys. Skillfully stiched together, these create an image of place in our minds that is at once picturesque and cohesive.

DetailsAttention to the smallest of details ties the complex together. The details are often rustic, reminding us of the crafts that were once so integral to art of building.

Details

MaterialsBrick, stone, wood and gravel, all very earthy and natural materials are skillfully employed to evoke a comfortable, residential feeling. Fabric awnings further soften and domesticate these large structures.

Materials