DC Crossing is a new 800-unit residential building in Washington, DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood. The design approach turns the block inside-out, inverting the traditional central courtyard with four smaller perimeter outer courts “cut” into the face of each street wall.

The exterior wall has visual weight, creating a conceptual perimeter shell revealing a visually softer inner façade skin. Each courtyard allows apartments to have visual access to the street, and each has a unique landscape concept suggested by its orientation. Shared amenity space for residents is directly connected to two courtyards.

The building creates smaller, more intimate neighborhoods within the larger building.