Studio Twenty Seven Architecture is publishing a book illustrating their master planning study of Southwest Washington DC. The vibrantly illustrated, two hundred and forty page book provides a comprehensive history of urban development in this quadrant of the city from the introduction of L'Enfant's plan in 1791 to the opening of Nationals' stadium in 2008.

Studying Sanborn maps dating back to the 1890's, the book illustrates modern development patterns in the quadrant and explains land use history. The maps illuminate how over the last hundred years, in both a physical and perceived sense, Southwest has become a quadrant removed and isolated from the rest of the city's urban fabric.

Using the metaphor of Haute Couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking") the final chapter of the book introduces specific architectural interventions to the area in order to reconnect the quadrant to the rest of the city. Those new interventions include a Ferry Terminal along the mouth of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and the return of Fort McNair to the public domain.

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