Book Description

"Washington, D.C. lives in our minds as museums and monuments, capitals and columns, but beyond the timeless monuments of white stone history thrives a city that has moved into the modern and postmodern age. In text and photos, this guide goes beyond the grand avenues to explore remarkable works of contemporary architecture that reinterpret historical styles and reconcile with Washington’s monumental plan. Contemporary Architecture in Washington, D.C. features more than 20 detailed maps and includes photographs of almost 300 buildings, from the waterfront in Georgetown to the town houses of Capitol Hill, from the luxurious residences of Bethesda to the towering office buildings of Crystal City. As a national capital, Washington is a showplace for the best and the latest works by internationally recognized modern masters and talented local firms as well. Beyond buildings, Contemporary Architecture in Washington, D.C. explores new communities and developments in the Washington suburbs and in essays examines the particular forces of style, politics, economics, and history that have come together to form the American capital. Washington is a city of metaphor. From its very streets, the city speaks of democracy and nationhood. The impact of these metaphors comes from a repeated architectural language that is constantly being rewritten to reflect history and our interpretation of it."--back cover