The history of Fairfax County, Va., is traditionally centered on the Colonial and Early Republic architecture at its southern end: Mount Vernon, Woodlawn Plantation, Pohick Church, and Gunston Hall. By contrast, no one thinks about that period of history in the northern end of the county (with apologies to Sully Plantation). The history of northern Fairfax County is embodied in its post-WWII architecture, nowhere better exemplified than in the world-renowned planning and architecture of Reston. Although recent, that history is significant: The County Board of Supervisors designated the residential and retail core of Reston, Lake Anne Center, a Historic Overlay District in 1984, when it was j

Join Docomomo DC on April 3 for 'An Example for the Nation': Modernism and Classicism in the Washington Metro, a lecture by Zachary Schrag, author of The Great Society Subway: A History of the Washington Metro. Where: West End Library (new!), 2301 L Street NW MAP When: April 3 from 6:30pm to 8pm After: Drinks at the Westend Bistro, 1150 22nd St NW MAP In 2014, the American Institute of Architects bestowed its Twenty-Five Year Award on the stations of the Washington Metro, noting that the "original Metro stations have become icons of Washington architecture," and that "they are quintessentially modern while maintaining a certain grandeur befitting the nation's capital." In his lecture, Zach

Writer Joseph Rodota celebrates the release of his latest work, The Watergate: Inside America’s Most Infamous Address (William Morrow), on February 20th, with two events to be held in Washington, D.C. Rodota is a former White House writer, and now leads Forward Observer, an opposition research consultancy. His book reveals surprising histories of the Watergate complex, including the role of the Vatican in its financing. The first is a book launch at Politics & Prose at The Wharf, on February 20. Rodota will be on hand to present and sign copies of his book from 7-8pm. It's free, and open to the public. Details via Politics & Prose. The second event will be held at the National Press Club on

The City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) are hosting the Ramsey Homes Open House, a chance to explore four WWII era federal apartment buildings designed for African American defense workers before they are torn down. Where: Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA MAP When: Friday & Saturday, Feb. 9 & 10 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm The Ramsey Homes were built between 1940 and 1942 by the federal government to provide segregated housing for federal defense workers. The City and ARHC plan to demolish the four Ramsey buildings to make way for a new 52-unit apartment building. These tours, along with HABS drawings and on-site interpret

Architecture & Design Film Festival Where: National Building Museum When: February 22 to February 25, 2018 The National Building Museum’s inaugural Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) will include both feature length and short films that explore “the creative spirit that drives architecture and design.” Some of the 27 scheduled film screenings will also include a panel discussion. Enthusiasts of modern architecture will be treated to documentary films about Charles and Ray Eames (Eames: The Architect and Painter), Richard Neutra (The Oyler House: Richard Neutra’s Desert Retreat), and Kevin Roche (Kevin Roche: The Quiet Architect). Also, if you didn’t catch the film Columbus last ye