Major landscape architecture firms selected to help preserve the Tidal Basin

Five noted landscape architecture firms are joining a new group that will work with federal and nonprofit officials to chart a course for the long-term future of the Tidal Basin, which is at risk from significant flooding exacerbated by climate change. Both the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Trust for the National Mall—in collaboration with the National Park Service—on Tuesday announced the five members of the group, named the “Ideas Lab.”

The firms are: DLANDstudio, GGN, Hood Design Studio, James Corner Field Operations, and Reed Hilderbrand. Their previous work ranges from the High Line in New York, in the case of James Corner, to the grounds of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, in that of GGN. Architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP is the civic partner on the initiative, which is being sponsored by American Express. Among the issues facing the Tidal Basin are “security, circulation, civic stage, cultural landscape, connectivity, conservation, resilience, infrastructure, and visitor experience,” according to the nonprofits.

“The Tidal Basin faces immediate threats including a crumbling sea wall and daily flooding that swamps sidewalks and threatens the roots of cherry trees,” says a release, referring to the celebrated yoshino trees that attract around 1.5 million visitors annually. Those visitors are just some of the 36 million people who are estimated to visit the Tidal Basin every year.

The Ideas Lab will present design concepts for the basin in 2020, per the organizations. The public will then be able to comment on the designs before environmental reviews and other planning processes required by the National Park Service. Repairs and improvements to the basin, which already sees frequent flooding, are anticipated to cost as much as $500 million.