The Project

Gallaudet University is located in Northeast Washington, D.C., less than two miles northeast of the Capitol Building. The University is immediately adjacent to some of Washington, D.C.’s, fastest-growing and most dynamic mixed-use neighborhoods.

Gallaudet University selected The JBG Companies as its development partner to realize the 6th Street Corridor project: the redevelopment of nearly seven acres (just under three hectares) of land located along the campus’ western edge and within the adjacent Florida Avenue Market. To this end, the 6th Street corridor masterplan, by Morris Adjmi Architects, has been prepared to guide development in this area. The competition is an opportunity for the University to reinvigorate its historic campus and increase awareness of its role as an eminent institution of national and international importance.

The competition aimed to challenge design teams to think in terms of the sensory experience of the campus, aiming to inspire new thinking about the relationship between human senses, place and space. Gallaudet University sought an international exemplar of inclusive and innovative design, with a focus on deep collaboration, which will be framed by sustainable principles, practices and design.

The design brief focused on the delineation between campus and city, preserving the unique atmosphere and culture of Gallaudet whilst providing liminal zones where possibilities for interaction, discovery and communication with the wider city will exist.