Dupont Circle

The Connecticut Avenue Overlook Park is a small pocket park located in Washington, D.C., situated on the south side of Dupont Circle. This urban space was transformed from an unremarkable concrete overlook on top of a bridge structure into a functional and innovative public area.

The park features a unique sustainable energy project that incorporates kinetic pavers. These special floor tiles, developed by Pavegen, convert the kinetic energy from people's footsteps into electricity. As visitors walk across the overlook throughout the day, the tiles generate electricity with every step. This energy is then stored in a battery and used at night to illuminate the park's features, including staggered granite seating.

Covering an area of approximately 850 square feet, the Connecticut Avenue Overlook Park provides a small but welcome green space in the bustling urban environment. The park includes raised planters with landscaping, adding a touch of nature to the concrete surroundings. Its location offers views of the busy Connecticut Avenue below, making it an interesting vantage point for observing city life.

This pocket park serves as an example of innovative urban design, combining public space functionality with sustainable technology. It demonstrates how small, previously underutilized areas in cities can be repurposed to create engaging community spaces while also incorporating eco-friendly features.