peace corps [+]

Peace Corps Foundation, the renowned volunteer program run by the US Government was authorized by the US Congress to establish a commemorative work on federal land in Washington D.C. Influx’s proposal utilizes the dome element in an arrangement of 16 glass and mosaic canopies open to the general public. Instead of memorialising the institution and its ideals and goals, our proposal focuses on the creation of a distinct environment where shade, open space and seating areas provide a public space with rare qualities on the site bordering the city’s Mall.

Peace Corps’ enduring values and contemporary missions are communicated through interpretive elements incorporated into the site: mosaics on the interior of eight domes representing the core values of the foundation (self confidence and humility, fearlessness and compassion, commitment and flexibility, individual strength and reliance on others), and along the busiest pedestrian passageway (facing Lafayette Avenue) news and information about ongoing Peace Corps’ work in the world are on display for the public.

Domes were chosen as powerful architectural elements with geometric expressions found in countless other modern and historically significant structures around the world. Domes are also integral to several of Washington D.C.’s most important buildings (such as the Capitol Building and the Library of Congress). This proposal creates a contemporary interpretation of the dome, geometric projection, and ceramics to remedy the current desolate Parklet condition resulting from L’Enfant 18th Century urban plan. In addition, native plantings, a rainwater collection system, and a reflecting pool are additional features of the space.