National Capital Planning Commission

Planning America’s Capital

The National Mall: Rethinking Washington's Monumental Core

National Building MuseumDecember 1, 2008

America’s pride in our cities and ourgovernment is being reborn

Context: A Civic Renaissance

The National Mall – America’s Stage

“Here the nation commemorates its history, and citizens join in celebration, congregation, and contemplation.”

NCPC Joint Memorials Task Force, 2000

The National Mall – A Sense of Place

The National Mall is very much rootedin the public’s consciousness

Create new civic spaces and opportunities for commemoration

Washington – City and Symbol

The National Mall must retain its historic and symbolic significance

The National Mall – America’s Gathering Place

Preserve the Mall and Enliven the City

NCPC continually strives to preserve the open space of the Mall by creating lively destinations throughout the city.

Preserve the Mall and Enliven the City

The capital city should serve as the nation’s commemorative landscape.

Redefining the Geography of Commemoration

Commemorative works should be viewed not as objects, but rather as place makers.

Urban Placemaking

The Mall as a National Treasure