Washington, D.C. : essays on the city form of a capital

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the city form of Washington. D.C. through four independent essays. Each essay examines a different aspect of the city: its monumentality as determined by its relationship with the nation it governs. the linear network of its plan, the 'abjectness' of its principal buildings, and finally. the significance of nature. Their structure and the manner in which they view the city are tailored to their respective topics. Together they represent a body of work whose intent is to explore those issues which distinguish Washington. The premise for this approach is a belief that cities should be understood for what they are. not only for what they are like or what they are not. To this end. the thesis examines what is going on in Washington. so that we may understand it and work with it, rather than transfer attractive 'solutions' from other cities which may be inappropriate.