Léon Krier - Completing the Plan of Washington D.C.

AIA Course # CPI-2201 AIA Provider # 10008720 Purchase 1.5 HSW Learning Units

Acclaimed architect, educator, and writer Leon Krier presents his project “The Completion of Washington D.C.”, which is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Against the backdrop of these stunning illustrations, Krier discusses the principles of New Urbanism, a movement he helped develop into a leading school of thought which has helped transform urban communities around the world.

Good urban design is essential to the wellbeing of people. As the trend of urban resettlement accelerates, the design of sustainable cities is perhaps the most essential focus of ensuring a sustainable future on Earth. Leon Krier’s work exemplifies the principles of New Urbanism, a defined set of principles which support human wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Mr. Krier’s presentation describes an achievable and relevant intervention in the monumental core of Washington D.C. that will result in a reduced reliance on automobiles, improved pedestrian safety and enjoyment, reduced burden on public transit, and socioeconomic diversity within mixed-use neighborhoods. His project serves as an HSW case study which can be implemented globally.

Learning Objectives:

1. An investigation of the historic generators of Washington D.C.’s urbanism, and the identification of opportunities for improvement in its current state.
2. The formula of designing Civitas, or a “true city”, through the measured integration of the Res Publica (monumental city) and Res Economica (vernacular city).
3. The importance of density in establishing walkable streets and reduced commute burden, which result in greater health and mental wellbeing in citizens.
4. The importance of diversity in urban planning; mixing typologies and uses in semi-autonomous districts, which results in greater social cohesion, reduced burden on centralized infrastructure, and measurably increased individual, neighborhood, and urban health, safety, and wellbeing.