Capitol View Corridors

For anyone who visits or lives in Austin for any length of time, the "character" of Austin is an enigmatic quality that is so widely admired but so difficult to define. It's hard to put a finger on what makes Austin so special, so cool, so exciting, so addicting. Among the many qualities of the city that compose its character, one of the important elements is the Texas State Capitol building as the symbolic center of the city and state.

The Capitol View Corridor Overlay is a planning map overlap that defines protected views of the capitol building from several places around the city. I have been researching the Capitol View Corridor overlay for my design project, which is sited within one of the corridors. It's interesting to see which views are protected to the capitol, and think about what makes the view of the capitol so important that it controls future growth and development.

City and State View Corridors

a closer look

What are the view corridors like experientially? Why do they matter?

I think it’s great that Austin takes such pride in the building that it preserves the visual connection to the capitol from all over the city. Several of the views are glimpses of the capitol from far away, and may only be noticeable to those who know it is there. These are more like happy accidents. Arguably, these may or may not be THAT important to protect…when it comes up to bat against issues like improving density in downtown Austin. Perhaps these minor views will disappear from the preserved corridors as Austin moves into the future, but for now they can still be enjoyed.

from the Barton Springs pedestrian bridge

from the Mueller airport area

Then there are the dramatic views of the capitol like the South Congress corridor or the view from I35 or the view from the Mopac bridge that are sustained views. These really allow the viewer to relish in the majesty of this architectural symbol within the context of the greater downtown area. These views really make the viewer feel like a part of the city. 

from I-35

Think about the visual connection between the UT tower and the Capitol dome on the South Mall...it made me stop in my tracks the first time I was there, and it is still one of my favorite spots on campus. 

from Inner Campus Drive on the South Mall

The capitol serves as a way-finding device too, and as the dome is visible throughout the city, it’s easier to navigate and give people directions with the anchor of that view. There are many parts and attitudes of Austin, and its wonderful to make that visual connection to the heart of the city whether driving in from a long trip on the congested upper deck of I-35, or strolling along the pedestrian bridge over Barton Springs, or climbing up Mount Bonnell to take in the entire city from the top.

from Mount Bonnell

Although there are several views that may not be deemed as important to protect and may not be necessarily as sacred as others, I think that the fundamental idea of protecting the view of the capitol building is something that Austin planners have done right. 

For more information and pictures of the Capitol View Corridors, check out the city's PDF "Downtown Development and Capitol View Corridors":

icma.org/Documents/Document/Document/301744