Urban De-Code Spring - DMV (D.C., MD, VA)

Urban De-Code DMV is an immersive, two-day experience exploring how housing, density, and urban design shape neighborhoods across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region.

Blending a guided workshop with an on-the-ground walking tour, this program invites participants to examine the full spectrum of housing, from single-family homes to mid-rise and mixed-use development through the lens of the “missing middle.” Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design and planning strategies can introduce density while maintaining neighborhood character.

The experience begins with a collaborative session at Torti Gallas + Partners in Washington, DC, followed by a guided exploration into Arlington, VA via the Washington Metro. Along the way, participants will engage directly with real-world examples of housing diversity, learning to “read” the built environment and better understand how density works in practice.

Day two shifts into a hands-on urban walk audit in Washington, DC, where participants will analyze an existing neighborhood and sketch ideas for improving walkability, housing integration, and the public realm.

Whether you’re a planner, designer, developer, student, or simply curious about the future of Urban Design in the DMV area, Urban De-Code DMV offers a unique opportunity to explore, observe, and reimagine the region’s evolving urban fabric.