Controversy erupted last week in Washington, D.C., after D.C. Metro decided to paint Union Station's vaulted ceilings—a famous icon of the District, it's regional transit system, and the architectural style of Brutalism.
Martin Austermuhle and Amanda Kolson Hurley both took to the pages of their respective media outlets to document the outcry against a controversial decision by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to paint a coat of white paint over the station's famous grey vault.
Austermuhle reports that the WMATA's Back2Good campaign is responsible for the paint job—one project among plans to power-wash, scrub, and polish all of the system's 91 stations on an annual basis.
The decision to paint Union Station, however, prompted strong responses from writers like Kriston Capps and Kolson Hurley.
After initially voicing concern on Twitter, Kolson Hurley eventually wrote an article for Washington City Paper, describing the decision to pain Union Station as troubling for "multiple reasons":
"First…dirt will show up prominently on a background of white paint," writes Kolson Hurley. "Second, exposed concrete is integral to the Brutalist style in which the Metro system was designed."
An update to the latter article notes that the Washington chapter of the American Institute of Architects had since expressed "deep concern" over the painting of the Union Station vault.
FULL STORY: Metro’s Effort To Create A Brighter Station Is Met With ‘Brutal’ Opposition
Brutalism Becoming a Source of Preservation Controversy
Brutalism might not be anybody's idea of beautiful, but that doesn't mean examples of the architectural style aren't beloved by many. As Brutalism comes of age as historic, preservation battles are heating up—especially in Washington, D.C.
Court Ruling Could Be a Final Setback for Maryland Purple Line Extension
A recent ruling by a U.S. district court could be a deathblow for the 16-mile Purple Line extension into Maryland, as well as for transit planning in general.
A New Transit Oriented Vision for Fairfax County, Virginia
A new transit station area plan is reaching the finishing line for the Huntington Metro station, serving the WMATA’s Yellow Line in Northern Virginia.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service