the metropolitan
THE METROPOLITAN COLUMBIA, MARYLAND
AIA BALTIMORE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS Category: Multi-Family / Mixed-Use
DESIGN CHALLENGE Columbia, Maryland’s 2010 Downtown Master Plan created a vision and framework for the design and construction of new neighborhoods with a distinct urban character to increase the density of development and fill the underutilized gaps (surface parking lots) around the mall; form and activate connections across downtown; and create a compact and a fully mixed-use core with residential, retail, office and civic buildings. As the first major mixed-use development in the master plan, this project had to set the tone and lay the foundation for the design and construction of new neighborhoods with a distinct urban character to:
management, a playground and public art, the design team created an environment that blended all three into one solution. Working with a local artist, oversized flowers and leaves inspired by the tulip poplar tree – which is prevalent in the community – became the inspiration for a series of sculptures that double as play structures set amongst plantings, an open lawn and a mister fountain. The goal was to provide a play environment that was engaging and fun but a cut above off-theshelf play structures to distinguish and complement the surrounding development.
• Establish the framework for multi-modal circulation, programmable public spaces, stormwater management, sustainable practices and landscape character as well as building heights and land use.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
• Thoughtfully address neighborhood incorporating recreation and public art
design
guidelines
by
DESIGN SOLUTIONS With this in mind, a multi-disciplinary design team – urban design, architecture and landscape architecture – was selected to design the first parcel of the redevelopment of the Warfield neighborhood in Columbia, Md. The result is The Metropolitan, a six-story “Class A” residential development featuring 380 market-rate units, approximately 14,000 SF of ground-level retail space, highly-sustainable courtyards and activated streetscape. The new West Promenade at The Metropolitan is a prominent amenity space that includes a distinct pedestrian zone along the edge of the development, with outdoor dining, along the retail frontage and programmable landscaped plaza spaces for events. The park was designed to serve as a “front porch” for a dynamic tenant mix. Given neighborhood design guideline requirements for storm water
The team worked collaboratively to carefully integrate the promenade, playground elements and small-scale storm water management practices, as part of a larger green infrastructure network that included the streetscape and private amenity courtyard spaces. A comprehensive storm water strategy, incorporating micro-bioretention planting, captures, cleans and filters stormwater on-site. Water is collected in cisterns beneath the promenade and parking structures and is then cycled into the irrigation system. Moving water on the street is captured by rainwater planters at the back of curbs. Swales and planting strips capture storm water within the promenade where vibrant, native planting also serves to buffer the playground from the adjacent streetscape. Fully-integrated with the hardscape and planting areas, perimeter planting in the courtyards provide a buffer for residents from adjacent common space and double as micro-bioretention. Eight surface runnels intersect at a central stormwater planter, highlighting the movement of water through the space.
PARCEL D
PARCEL C2
PARCEL C1
WEST PROMENADE AND PLAYGROUND
Strategically integrating residential, retail and open space brings benefits beyond the satisfaction of the immediate residents and consumers. It contributes to the entire district or neighborhood as these elements are knit into the urban fabric and sense of place.
The new West Promenade at The Metropolitan is a prominent amenity space that includes a distinct pedestrian zone along the edge of the development, with outdoor dining, along the retail frontage and programmable landscaped plaza spaces for events.
The architecture responds to its unique location at a transition point between commercial and residential neighborhoods. The gentle curve of the north façade inflects inward to provide more space for landscape and create a welcoming gesture at the main residential entrance.
INTEGRATED RETAIL SPACE The park was designed to serve as a “front porch” for a dynamic tenant mix consisting of the Corner Bakery, MOD Pizza, and Cali Burger integrated with services such as a Floyd’s Barbershop and a European day spa.
FROM ART TO PLAY A mandate required 1% of overall development construction costs to be invested in public art. The design team set off imagining an environment that blended stormwater management, a playground and art into one solution. Petals became slides, whole flowers became climbing structures and towering metal tulip poplars dance with the wind. The goal was to provide a play environment that was engaging and fun but a cut above off-theshelf play structures to distinguish and complement the surrounding development.
THIS PROJECT HAS ACHIEVED LEED SILVER CERTIFICATION
TO IRRIGATION
INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Informative signage throughout the landscape and building serves as educational tools for residents and visitors. NON-TOXIC PEST CONTROL The pest management plan protects occupants from toxins that can be harmful to air quality and thereby user health.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
WATER REDUCTION
The storm water management system on this reclaimed brownfield has reduced runoff volume by replicating the natural hydrology conditions and water balance of the site, prior to development. The bioretention basins and cisterns have also improved the quality of runoff water while slowing the quantity entering the public stormwater system.
35% water use reduction is achieved through water efficient plumbing fixtures.
ELECTRICITY 100% of electricity is provided by an offsite green power source through BGE.
LANDSCAPE A comprehensive stormwater strategy incorporated micro-bioretention plantings into the streetscapes, promenade and courtyards that funnel the collection of rain water into cisterns located beneath the promenade to improve run-off quality, control and irrigation.
This unique property represents the first of its kind of multi-family living in the Columbia area. The relaxed, yet elegant, interior lounge opens to the interior courtyard, with pool deck beyond, which further enhances the Clubhouse experience.
AIA BALTIMORE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS Category: Multi-Family / Mixed-Use
DESIGN CHALLENGE Columbia, Maryland’s 2010 Downtown Master Plan created a vision and framework for the design and construction of new neighborhoods with a distinct urban character to increase the density of development and fill the underutilized gaps (surface parking lots) around the mall; form and activate connections across downtown; and create a compact and a fully mixed-use core with residential, retail, office and civic buildings. As the first major mixed-use development in the master plan, this project had to set the tone and lay the foundation for the design and construction of new neighborhoods with a distinct urban character to:
management, a playground and public art, the design team created an environment that blended all three into one solution. Working with a local artist, oversized flowers and leaves inspired by the tulip poplar tree – which is prevalent in the community – became the inspiration for a series of sculptures that double as play structures set amongst plantings, an open lawn and a mister fountain. The goal was to provide a play environment that was engaging and fun but a cut above off-theshelf play structures to distinguish and complement the surrounding development.
• Establish the framework for multi-modal circulation, programmable public spaces, stormwater management, sustainable practices and landscape character as well as building heights and land use.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES
• Thoughtfully address neighborhood incorporating recreation and public art
design
guidelines
by
DESIGN SOLUTIONS With this in mind, a multi-disciplinary design team – urban design, architecture and landscape architecture – was selected to design the first parcel of the redevelopment of the Warfield neighborhood in Columbia, Md. The result is The Metropolitan, a six-story “Class A” residential development featuring 380 market-rate units, approximately 14,000 SF of ground-level retail space, highly-sustainable courtyards and activated streetscape. The new West Promenade at The Metropolitan is a prominent amenity space that includes a distinct pedestrian zone along the edge of the development, with outdoor dining, along the retail frontage and programmable landscaped plaza spaces for events. The park was designed to serve as a “front porch” for a dynamic tenant mix. Given neighborhood design guideline requirements for storm water
The team worked collaboratively to carefully integrate the promenade, playground elements and small-scale storm water management practices, as part of a larger green infrastructure network that included the streetscape and private amenity courtyard spaces. A comprehensive storm water strategy, incorporating micro-bioretention planting, captures, cleans and filters stormwater on-site. Water is collected in cisterns beneath the promenade and parking structures and is then cycled into the irrigation system. Moving water on the street is captured by rainwater planters at the back of curbs. Swales and planting strips capture storm water within the promenade where vibrant, native planting also serves to buffer the playground from the adjacent streetscape. Fully-integrated with the hardscape and planting areas, perimeter planting in the courtyards provide a buffer for residents from adjacent common space and double as micro-bioretention. Eight surface runnels intersect at a central stormwater planter, highlighting the movement of water through the space.
PARCEL D
PARCEL C2
PARCEL C1
WEST PROMENADE AND PLAYGROUND
Strategically integrating residential, retail and open space brings benefits beyond the satisfaction of the immediate residents and consumers. It contributes to the entire district or neighborhood as these elements are knit into the urban fabric and sense of place.
The new West Promenade at The Metropolitan is a prominent amenity space that includes a distinct pedestrian zone along the edge of the development, with outdoor dining, along the retail frontage and programmable landscaped plaza spaces for events.
The architecture responds to its unique location at a transition point between commercial and residential neighborhoods. The gentle curve of the north façade inflects inward to provide more space for landscape and create a welcoming gesture at the main residential entrance.
INTEGRATED RETAIL SPACE The park was designed to serve as a “front porch” for a dynamic tenant mix consisting of the Corner Bakery, MOD Pizza, and Cali Burger integrated with services such as a Floyd’s Barbershop and a European day spa.
FROM ART TO PLAY A mandate required 1% of overall development construction costs to be invested in public art. The design team set off imagining an environment that blended stormwater management, a playground and art into one solution. Petals became slides, whole flowers became climbing structures and towering metal tulip poplars dance with the wind. The goal was to provide a play environment that was engaging and fun but a cut above off-theshelf play structures to distinguish and complement the surrounding development.
THIS PROJECT HAS ACHIEVED LEED SILVER CERTIFICATION
TO IRRIGATION
INNOVATIVE SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES INTEGRATED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Informative signage throughout the landscape and building serves as educational tools for residents and visitors. NON-TOXIC PEST CONTROL The pest management plan protects occupants from toxins that can be harmful to air quality and thereby user health.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
WATER REDUCTION
The storm water management system on this reclaimed brownfield has reduced runoff volume by replicating the natural hydrology conditions and water balance of the site, prior to development. The bioretention basins and cisterns have also improved the quality of runoff water while slowing the quantity entering the public stormwater system.
35% water use reduction is achieved through water efficient plumbing fixtures.
ELECTRICITY 100% of electricity is provided by an offsite green power source through BGE.
LANDSCAPE A comprehensive stormwater strategy incorporated micro-bioretention plantings into the streetscapes, promenade and courtyards that funnel the collection of rain water into cisterns located beneath the promenade to improve run-off quality, control and irrigation.
This unique property represents the first of its kind of multi-family living in the Columbia area. The relaxed, yet elegant, interior lounge opens to the interior courtyard, with pool deck beyond, which further enhances the Clubhouse experience.
