Boring Barriers to Brilliant Blues and Greens
The barriers around the FAA Headquarters got an artistic makeover. What were once plain structures have been transformed into colorful works of art that brighten drab public spaces and create a more inviting atmosphere. With creativity, everyday infrastructure becomes a source of joy for being connected to our community.
We launched a public art initiative to bring beauty and creativity to the concrete jersey barriers surrounding the Wilbur Wright Federal Building, home to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), here in Southwest Washington, DC. Located directly across from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the site is a high-traffic area seen daily by thousands of commuters, tourists, and residents. In addition to enhancing the streetscape, the mural project also serves as a visual guide—helping orient visitors as they move from the National Mall and Smithsonian museums toward the Metro and deeper into the Southwest neighborhood.
To reimagine these 85 plain barriers as a visual experience, SWBID sought artists through a competitive, two-phase selection process. First, artists were invited to submit their qualifications. A panel of stakeholders then reviewed the submissions and selected a group of finalists to move on to the proposal phase.
Each finalist received a stipend to develop detailed mural concepts tailored to the site. After reviewing these proposals, one artist was chosen to bring their vision to life. Through the committee, the selected artist was JD Deardourff.
Artist statement:
This design was inspired by a vintage topographic map I found of the area around the building. While I was painting, people asked if it represented waves or air currents—which it easily could. At some point, the white lines just became a kind of rhythm flowing around the building. The shifting blue-green gradient, made up of 30 shades, is meant to emphasize that rhythm, movement, and flow.
You can also find JD on Instagram: @jddeardourff
This project reflects SWBID’s commitment to creating community pride, highlighting local creativity, and enhancing public spaces through collaborative placemaking.