KGP design studio was the urban designer for the new Ballston Plaza surrounding the Metro Station. The project explored four alternative concepts to overcome existing obstacles and breathe new life into this urban landscape. The design locates an expanded landscape zone to reduce conflicts between transit and retail users while creating an active mixed-use urban plaza benefiting both uses. Planting modules will extend along Fairfax Avenue and Stuart Street, serving as a screen and a "docking area" for bus shelters, retail kiosks, bike parking, and other uses. The modules will wrap the plaza/performance area with quiet areas for café seating at the building perimeter. The increased space of pervious ground cover and street trees will reduce the current urban heat island effect while increasing stormwater retention.