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Mapping Architect Michael Graves' Designs in Washington, D.C.

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Described as "one of the most renowned and most polarizing architects" by The Washington Post, architect Michael Graves took the world by storm with his postmodern designs. From multi-colored schools to whistling bird teakettles, Graves designed anything and everything, creating a prolific body of work that totaled to over 350 buildings and over 2,000 products. After founding the architectural firm Michael Graves & Associates in 1964, he went on to design numerous works in Washington, D.C., including the multi-colored school St. Coletta of Greater Washington and the glowing scaffolding of the Washington Monument in 1999. For those who not only admire Graves' works, but wish to see them up close, here is a map of every building of his that can be found in Washington, D.C.


· Architect Michael Graves' impact on Greater Washington [Washington Business Journal]
· Michael Graves, innovative architect and designer, dies at 80 [The Washington Post]
· Remembering Michael Graves with 18 of His Most Colorful, Exuberant Buildings [Curbed National]
· Prolific Postmodern Architect Michael Graves Dead at 80 [Curbed National]

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St. Coletta of Greater Washington

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Michael Graves designed the St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a school for students with disabilities. The school is divided into five colorful "houses" that serve different groups of students depending on their ages.

Department of Transportation

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According to the Washington Business Journal, Michael Graves designed the Department of Transportation's headquarters. The headquarters includes one eight-story and one nine-story building, both with multi-colored facades. Inbetween both buildings is an open-air plaza.

Charles E. Beatley Jr Central Library

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According to Washington Business Journal, Michael Graves designed the peaked roof for the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library in Alexandria. The library opened in 2000.

International Finance Corporation

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The headquarters for the International Finance Corp. was designed by architect Michael Graves. The headquarters spans 1.1 million-square-feet with a conference and training center, library, and cafeteria.

Sigma Chi Fraternity

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This fraternity house holds the Epsilon chapter for George Washington University. It was designed by Michael Graves.

William B. Bryant Annex

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This annex in the U.S. Courthouse was built to honor William Benson Bryant, the first African American to serve as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument Scaffolding

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Michael Graves designed the scaffolding for the restoration of the Washington Monument in 1999.The design allowed the structure to glow at night.

Riverside Apartments

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Michael Graves worked on the master plan for the Riverside Park residential development, according to the Washington Business Journal

Springhill Lake Apartments

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Springhill Lake is planned to be one of the largest rental properties on the east coast, according to The Washington Post. Architect Michael Graves was chosen to design the property along with Keith McPeters.

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St. Coletta of Greater Washington

Michael Graves designed the St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a school for students with disabilities. The school is divided into five colorful "houses" that serve different groups of students depending on their ages.

Department of Transportation

According to the Washington Business Journal, Michael Graves designed the Department of Transportation's headquarters. The headquarters includes one eight-story and one nine-story building, both with multi-colored facades. Inbetween both buildings is an open-air plaza.

Charles E. Beatley Jr Central Library

According to Washington Business Journal, Michael Graves designed the peaked roof for the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library in Alexandria. The library opened in 2000.

International Finance Corporation

The headquarters for the International Finance Corp. was designed by architect Michael Graves. The headquarters spans 1.1 million-square-feet with a conference and training center, library, and cafeteria.

Sigma Chi Fraternity

This fraternity house holds the Epsilon chapter for George Washington University. It was designed by Michael Graves.

William B. Bryant Annex

This annex in the U.S. Courthouse was built to honor William Benson Bryant, the first African American to serve as Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for Washington, D.C.

Washington Monument Scaffolding

Michael Graves designed the scaffolding for the restoration of the Washington Monument in 1999.The design allowed the structure to glow at night.

Riverside Apartments

Michael Graves worked on the master plan for the Riverside Park residential development, according to the Washington Business Journal

Springhill Lake Apartments

Springhill Lake is planned to be one of the largest rental properties on the east coast, according to The Washington Post. Architect Michael Graves was chosen to design the property along with Keith McPeters.