Studio Field Trip to Washington, D.C.

The day began in Adams Morgan, where we observed our project site at the former PEPCO Substation 25. While the site itself was closed off and actively being demolished for a new substation, seeing the site in person within its surrounding context provided a depth of understanding that no Google Earth street view could give. We spent time studying its relationship to the surrounding streets, buildings, and topography, gaining a clearer understanding of how the site sits within the fabric of the Adams Morgan neighborhood.

Without access to the building, the neighborhood became the primary classroom. Walking the surrounding blocks allowed us to observe patterns of density, circulation, cultural layering, and everyday activity, all of which will inform how we approach the project moving forward.

After the site visit, we wandered through the city, stopping at several locations along the National Mall, and ended the day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The visit offered a powerful lens on how architecture, memory, and public space intersect, providing a meaningful close to a day rooted in observation and place-based learning.