Neighborhoods
Landscape Architect Guides

The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Washington, D.C.

U Street / Shaw

Howard University Quadrangle

●Howard Place and 6th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.
☎(202) 806-6100
↗Website
MShaw-Howard University
Glenn LaRue Smith, ASLA

The Quadrangle at Howard University is reflective of traditional university quads of the 19th century, surrounded by signature buildings. This Historically Black College and University (HBCU) was established in 1867. David Williston, the first practicing African American landscape architect in the United States, redesigned the central campus in 1930.
  
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Georgia Avenue

The traditional university quadrangle is best accessed from the Georgia Avenue campus entry where the School of Architecture building is located.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

School of Architecture and Planning

The School of Architecture and Planning building is typically open during the week, providing a great stop on the tour to view architecture students' work on display.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

Quadrangle Gates

A formal gate marks the quadrangle entry, which allows only limited vehicular traffic.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

A Formal Entrance

The gateway to the quadrangle exhibits the classically formal architecture signature common on university campuses of this era.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

A Mixture of Architectural Styles

The buildings surrounding the quadrangle are a mixture of Greek Revival and late 1960s-style modern.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

Historic Founder's Library

The historic north-facing Founder’s Library is the architectural anchor of the quadrangle with its prominent spire.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

Abstract Artwork

An abstract sculpture sits within a fountain at the entry to the Armour J. Blackburn Student Center on the eastern side of the quadrangle.  This entry space is the site of active fraternity and sorority activity during the academic year.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

Panoramic Views

The outdoor dining terrace behind the Blackburn Center provides panoramic views of the Children’s Hospital (black glass buildings to the left) and the McMillan Reservoir.

Image: Glenn LaRue Smith

A Traditional Campus Quadrangle

This aerial view of the quadrangle indicates the most important use of the site: graduation ceremonies.

Image: Jim Pleasant

Graduation

A view of the quadrangle during graduation ceremonies looking south toward the historic Founder’s Library.  The Blackburn Center is located to the left.

Image: Jim Pleasant