Chinatown's Friendship Archway designed by architect Alfred H. Liu

A traditional Chinese gate designed by local architect Alfred H. Liu, the Friendship Archway, was dedicated to Chinatown in Washington DC in 1986 . The colorful, $1 million work of public art includes 7 roofs up to 60 feet high, 7000 tiles, and 272 painted dragons in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Erected to celebrate friendship with Washington's sister city of Beijing, it was hoped the arch would reinforce the neighborhood's Chinese character. According to the plaque next to the arch, it is the largest such archway in the world. Read more at Wikipedia.

Click photo to view Friendship Archway ongoing photo project.

American Society of Landscape Architects

I would began my ongoing now documentary project, focusing on Chinatown WDC on New Years Eve, 31 December 2004, when during the course of my 2004/05 Holiday Season street photography I'd observe a newly constructed Gallery Place at the corner of 7th and H Streets, in NW WDC. Since that time, I have returned on many occasions to capture the always changing architecture and street scape of the area.

In recent months, I have observed significant changes in the 600 block of Eye Street, NW. One such change is a cluster of new buildings on the south side of the 600 block of Eye Street. One of which houses the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association representing landscape architects. Beginning with 11 original members, ASLA has grown to more than 16,200 members and 48 chapters, representing all 50 states, US territories, and 42 countries around the world. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.

The ASLA is located at 636 Eye Street in NW. Telephone 202-898-2444.

Another important observation that I've taken note of in the past year or so is that many of the newly constructed buildings and complexes in downtown WDC are embracing the green roof concept. Which, when reading the words etched unto ASLA's window I'd learn that landscape architects are designing and developmenting many green roof projects not only in WDC and across the nation but throughout the global community, as well.

Click the above photo to access my now ongoing ASLA documentary proejct.

Men At Work / 505 Ninth Street, NW

I began my documentation of the construction of 505 Ninth Street in September 2005. Since then I have learned that 505 Ninth Street is being developed as a joint venture by Boston Properties and KEG 1 Associates.

Designed by Hartman-Cox Architects this class A office building will feature superb views from its top floors, three levels of parking, two roof top decks, fitness center and concierge service. Construction commenced during the summer of 2005 with initial occupancy planned for the fall of 2007.

Included in my ongoing documentary project, Men At Work, this photo was taken on 12 December 2006.

Constitution Gardens, Washington DC

Bounded on the north by Constituion Avenue and on the south by Independence Avenue and situated just west of 17th Street, Constitution Gardens is a living legacy to the founding of the republic as well as an oasis in the midst of a city landscape. The 50 acres of the park were originally beneath the Potomac River! A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging project at the turn of century created the land that became Potomac Park.

River Park in SW WDC

Composed of several clusters of townhouses and two high-rise buildings in a park-like setting, River Park structures feature a unique modernistic design created by the award-winning architect, Charles M. Goodman. Its 1200-plus residents form a dynamic community that makes River Park a great place to live. River Park is a main feature on the District of Columbia's Southwest Heritage Trail.