Evaluation of Visual Impact Analysis for Temporary Structures on the National Mall: Cultural Landscape Vista and View Preservation
National Capital Region Cultural Resources Division. 2018. Evaluation of Visual Impact Analysis for Temporary Structures on the National Mall: Cultural Landscape Vista and View Preservation. Cultural Landscape Report
This report developed out of an effort to help evaluate and define appropriate locations and heights for temporary structures to be located on the National Mall managed by the National Park Service (NPS). This study evaluates the findings in the "Preliminary Visual Impact Analysis National Mall and Memorial Parks & Presidents Park" (April 2018). The evaluation is limited to the visual and view analysis tools provided by the previous study. It does not take into account other factors related to security, direct resource damage to soft or hardscapes, or other criteria and guidelines that may influence when, where, and how long a temporary structure can appropriately be placed. Using a series of graphic tools provided by the previous study, this visual resources evaluation assesses the extent and type of impacts to the National Mall from the placement of structures at selected locations. The evaluation resulted in several key conclusions and recommendations. Key Findings: -Visual analysis generally supports past and current practices and known sensitivities across the National Mall -The analysis reinforces the axial nature of the primary vistas within and through the National Mall -Vegetation and topography influence the visual impacts and individual structures and viewpoints -Some Structure Locations would cause broad/diffuse impacts to the National Mall, while others have more limited and localized impacts -Structures set close to memorials and monuments and within the primary east-west and north-south axial vistas will detract from the visitor experience and alter the understanding of the significant National Mall design -Structures can be located in areas offset from the major monuments and memorials and outside the primary axial vistas, but height limits scaled to the specific location will help minimize impacts to the National Mall -There are opportunities to locate and design structures to lessen impacts to the National Mall -More work is needed to refine these findings and translate them into management documents, guidelines, and policy
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- National Capital Region Cultural Resources Division
- Date of Issue
- 2018-07
- Units
- NAMA , NCR
- Keywords
- Cultural Landscape Report, temporary structures, views, vistas, visual impact analysis