Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Fairfax County Government Center

Fairfax

VA

USA

Contributed by 
Allen Muchnick
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
February 11, 2002
May 1, 2024

This building is HQ for Fairfax County, the most populous and wealthy locality in both the state of Virginia and metropolitan Washington D.C.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Isolated between major highways in the midst of dysfunctional suburban sprawl, and surrounded by oceans of surface parking spaces with no other building in sight, this governmental office building and meeting place is a monument to awful civic planning. Nothing short of abandonment and relocation as a transit-oriented development near a public transportation center would adequately address this place's shortcomings for its intended purpose.

Access & Linkages

Access is primarily by automobile and requires long, unprotected walks to the building entrance. Nothing else is within walking distance. No bicycle parking facilities.

Comfort & Image

Vast, open sea of asphalt parking, little greenery, and no large trees. Site appears clean and well-maintained, and there may even be seating, but nobody would sit in such a desolate space.

Uses & Activities

Appears isolated and deserted.

Sociability

Except to form carpools, I would not meet in this outdoor space. I might show it off because it's so bizarre.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax County Government Center

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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