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Washington DC

The design for a new bicycle rack transforms the shape of the Golden Triangle logo, the center of Washington DC, into a three-dimensional triangular object, which serves as a bicycle rack, a place-maker, and a beacon along the sidewalks of the city. The bike rack stands 6' high (at its highest point) and is constructed of tubular steel painted bright yellow, echoing the Golden Triangle logo and enhancing visibility from a distance.

The rack is composed of two interconnected components: a vertical triangular element that provides a sense of place along the edge of the street and glows as a beacon so as to be easily located, and a horizontal bike bar that rotates out from the plane of the triangular element and operates at the scale of the sidewalk. Two bicycles can be attached to each rack, and it can be set individually or in groups, depending on allowable space.

At the top of the triangle, LED lighting is incorporated to serve as a glowing beacon, as well as to provide visibility and added security at night. In locations that receive sufficient sunlight during the day, this panel could be composed of solar cells that emit stored light at night without the need for electricity. If LED illumination is necessary, wiring could be run through the tubular steel, and the low-voltage aspect of LED will maintain low energy usage. Within the illuminated panel signage could include a map of the area with an identifying marker showing where the particular rack is located ("you are here"), or rented out to advertisers, which would bring additional income to the Golden Triangle BID.

Overall, the design objective was to create a bicycle rack that is more than just a functional object, but one that also serves as a symbol of the Golden Triangle. It can be placed in any location, and can be set parallel to the street in narrower conditions, or angled on wider sidewalks so its signage will be more visible to passing cars. The bicycle rack will appeal to bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers of vehicles as a striking and memorable visual marker in the city.