Washington, D.C., USA
Improving pedestrian safety and the public realm in the nation’s capital
The Project
The Crossroads Pavement Mural Project in Chinatown in the District of Columbia is the city’s newest effort to transform the streets and the public realm. Consisting of murals in 27 curb extensions and one new pedestrian plaza serving as a tactical expansion of Chinatown Park, the project is a part of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District’s Pedestrian Safety and Experience Study, which aims to use low-cost, high-impact projects like this to make the neighborhood’s streets safer and more welcoming to pedestrians. Installed in September and October 2023 along 7th St NW, outside Capital One Arena and the National Portrait Gallery, and around Chinatown Park on Massachusetts Ave NW, 6th St NW and I St NW, the project is a partnership between the District Department of Transportation, DowntownDC, Toole Design, and artist partners Chalk R!OT and Pipkin Creative.
- Since the installation, nearly 2/3 of survey respondents stated they were more likely to spend time in Chinatown Park after the expansion of the public space.
- 79% of survey respondents agreed they were more comfortable walking along 7th Street NW today than before the project was installed.
“It was an honor to play a part in this transformative and impactful arts project. From the history and research of Chinese and Jewish cultures and their role in the neighborhood over the last century, to seeing the incredible designs come to life on the street, the project partners all went above and beyond to make this installation a reality.”
Tom Pipkin, Pipkin Creative
Use the slider to see the transformation
Best Practice Highlight: Citywide Program Supporting Safer Streets
The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Arts in the Right-of-Way (AROW) program facilitates art in the public right-of-way which is owned and maintained by DDOT. The program includes various forms of art on public amenities and facilities such as bike racks, utility boxes, and most popularly, curb extension murals. One of the strengths of the program is DDOT’s streamlined permitting direction guide and Curb Extension Mural Best Practices Guide, which make it easier for neighborhoods and groups across the District, such as the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, to champion their own projects.
Since 2019, DDOT has installed or permitted 55 curb extension murals. While DDOT has murals in closed roadway segments of complicated intersections, the Chinatown Park mural is the first full travel lane and parking lane closure creating the largest asphalt mural in the District, highlighting the popularity of the program and expansion to create pedestrian-oriented plazas.
For inspiration and tips for the creation of art on roadways and public places, download the Bloomberg Associates Asphalt Art Guide which features successful plaza and roadway art activations around the world, as well as key steps for developing such projects.
