My Immersive Journey Through Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, presented an extraordinary opportunity to delve into its iconic landmarks, engage with legislators, and witness the intricate workings of the U.S. government. This visit was particularly significant as it coincided with Capitol Hill Days, a major event where AIA leadership convened to advocate for critical issues such as sustainability and school safety. As architects and urban planners, we often gain exclusive access to various sites due to our involvement in construction projects, and this trip provided a unique lens through 
which to experience the nation's capital.

The Gateway to D.C.

My journey began at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a major hub for travelers arriving in the U.S. capital. After transferring through Chicago O'Hare Airport, I landed at DCA, conveniently located about 3 miles south of downtown Washington D.C. This proximity made it the closest airport to the U.S. Capitol and my accommodation, streamlining my travel logistics and setting the stage for an engaging visit.

Named in honor of former President Ronald Reagan, DCA is a major gateway for domestic flights and is serviced by numerous major airlines. The airport boasts a range of amenities, including diverse dining options, shops, and lounges, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Its excellent connectivity to the city through Metrorail, taxis, and ride-sharing services made it an ideal starting point for exploring Washington D.C. and accessing key landmarks and other historic sites.

A Hub of History, Excellence, and Intellectual Exchange

I stayed at Cosmos Club, as I am a member of the Cliff Dwellers in Chicago. The Cosmos Club is a prestigious private club located in Washington D.C. It was founded in 1878 and is known for its distinguished membership and historic surroundings. The club, housed in a grand, historic building on the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 18th Street NW, provides a range of amenities for its members, including dining rooms, meeting spaces, and a library. It is renowned for its intellectual and cultural focus, offering a setting for members to engage in discussions, attend lectures, and participate in social events. Its proximity to key landmarks and its elegant atmosphere makes it a popular choice for members visiting the nation's capital.

The Cosmos Club has been home to many Nobel laureates, particularly in fields like physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics. Members have included celebrated scientists such as Albert Einstein and numerous other individuals whose work has had a profound impact on their respective fields. The presence of Nobel Prize winners among the club's membership highlights its role as a hub for intellectual exchange and academic excellence.

Several U.S. Presidents and notable politicians have also been members or frequent visitors to the Cosmos Club. Notable members include Presidents such as Herbert Hoover and William Howard Taft, as well as influential statesmen and policymakers. The club has often served as a venue for informal discussions and networking among government officials, contributing to the shaping of national and international policies.

The Cosmos Club is not just a social gathering place; it serves as a significant intellectual forum where ideas are exchanged among some of the brightest minds in the country. The club hosts lectures, meetings, and dinners, fostering an environment of debate and discussion that has influenced various scientific discoveries, policy decisions, and cultural developments.

Its rich history and tradition of excellence make the Cosmos Club a unique institution that continues to attract leaders in science, politics, and the arts. The blend of Nobel laureates, U.S. Presidents, and top-tier politicians among its members speaks to the club's esteemed place in American society as a bastion of intellectual achievement and influence.

Advocating for Sustainability and School Safety

The following day, I had the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill, where I met with legislators to discuss critical issues affecting the architecture and urban planning communities. The Capitol Hill Days brought together six hundred architectural leaders from across the nation to advocate for two key issues: a tax deduction to enhance building energy efficiency and securing federal funding for school safety design. Our mission was to emphasize the importance of these issues and to push for meaningful policy changes that would benefit both the environment and educational infrastructure.

During these meetings, I had the rare privilege of accessing areas typically off-limits to the public, adding an extra layer of significance to the experience. It was fascinating to witness the legislative process up close and to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of architecture and urban planning. These interactions highlighted the crucial role that architects and urban planners play in shaping policy and influencing the built environment.

Exploring the Hidden Tunnels of Capitol Hill

One of the most intriguing aspects of my visit was exploring the underground tunnels beneath the Capitol Complex. This extensive network connects key buildings, including the U.S. Capitol, Senate and House office buildings, and the Library of Congress. Designed for safety, efficiency, and privacy, these tunnels provided a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the daily operations of the U.S. government.

Walking through these tunnels felt like entering a hidden world. We passed by hurried staffers, overheard snippets of urgent conversations, and occasionally glimpsed a member of Congress moving discreetly from one meeting to another. The experience offered a rare perspective on the inner workings of government, away from the public eye. The tunnels are equipped with advanced security measures and constant surveillance, making them some of the safest places in the country. Some sections of the tunnels date back over a century, and although they have been modernized to meet contemporary needs, they continue to play a crucial role in the legislative process. Moving through these historic pathways provided a unique and memorable view of the hidden infrastructure that supports the smooth functioning of Congress.

An Exclusive Evening at the Library of Congress

In the evening, we were invited to a special reception at the Library of Congress, one of the most iconic and historically rich institutions in the United States. For this event, the library was exclusively reserved for us, granting access to areas usually off-limits to the public.

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 170 million items, including books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and recordings. The main building, the Thomas Jefferson Building, is an architectural marvel with stunning mosaics, murals, and sculptures that reflect the rich intellectual heritage of the nation. The grand Great Hall, with its intricate marble staircase and beautiful stained glass windows, exemplifies the library’s grandeur. The ornate Reading Room, often seen in films but rarely accessible to visitors, is a serene space where scholars and legislators immerse themselves in research.

During our visit, we explored private rooms and collections that are seldom seen by the public. Walking through these hallowed halls, we could sense the weight of history and the importance of the work that has taken place there over the centuries. Beyond its role as a library, the Library of Congress serves as a center for intellectual and cultural engagement, hosting lectures, concerts, exhibitions, and scholarly discussions. It is a vibrant space where history, knowledge, and culture intersect.

An Evening with Doris Kearns Goodwin

The highlight of the evening was hearing Doris Kearns Goodwin, the renowned presidential historian and author, speak about presidential leadership. Goodwin’s book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, examines the defining moments of leadership in the lives of four U.S. presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Her insights into how these leaders navigated crises and made pivotal decisions provided powerful lessons on resilience, character, and decision-making.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is celebrated for her deeply researched and engagingly written biographies of U.S. presidents. A Pulitzer Prize-winning author, she has penned several bestsellers, including Team of Rivals, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time. Her work focuses on the leadership qualities, challenges, and personal lives of presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Goodwin’s ability to draw lessons from the past makes her a sought-after commentator on leadership, politics, and history.

Leadership in Turbulent Times explores how these presidents confronted crises with determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to their vision. The book highlights how personal character—courage, humility, empathy—played a crucial role in guiding these leaders through difficult times. It emphasizes that great leaders are often forged in moments of adversity and offers timeless lessons applicable to today’s leaders, whether in politics, business, or everyday life.

Meeting Doris Kearns Goodwin and hearing her speak about the nuances of presidential leadership was a profound and inspiring highlight of the evening. Her insights provided valuable perspectives on the qualities that define effective leadership and the impact of historical decisions on shaping the course of history.

Reflections on a Journey Through Advocacy, History, and Leadership

My visit to Washington D.C. was more than just a tour of iconic landmarks; it was an immersive journey that deepened my understanding of leadership, history, and the impact of advocacy. Capitol Hill Days offered a unique platform for AIA leadership to champion the causes of sustainability and school safety, demonstrating the vital role architects and urban planners play in shaping policy and influencing the built environment.

Exploring the hidden tunnels of Capitol Hill and gaining exclusive access to the Library of Congress provided a rare perspective on how history, legislation, and architecture intersect. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offered a deeper appreciation for the complexities of governance and the significance of preserving historical institutions.

Staying at the prestigious Cosmos Club added an element of intellectual enrichment, as its rich history and distinguished members embody the spirit of excellence and innovation. From Nobel laureates to U.S. Presidents, the club’s legacy is a testament to the enduring impact of knowledge and collaboration.

Meeting Doris Kearns Goodwin and hearing her insights on presidential leadership was a profound and inspiring experience. Her book, Leadership in Turbulent Times, serves as a powerful reminder that resilience, character, and decision-making are essential qualities for leaders facing today’s challenges.

This journey through Washington D.C. was a blend of professional growth, historical appreciation, and personal reflection. It underscored the importance of engaging with our nation’s leaders, advocating for meaningful change, and understanding the broader context of our work as architects and urban planners. Washington D.C. remains not just a hub of government and history but also a gateway to new ideas, partnerships, and a deeper appreciation of the complexities that define our world. The experiences and insights gained during this visit will undoubtedly influence my approach to advocacy, leadership, and the role of architecture in shaping the future.