Monumentality in Microcosm

The Patte d'Oie or Crow's Foot occurs when many roadways converge upon - or emmanate from - a single point.  This spatial type differs from an Etoille (or Star) through which roads pass and continue beyond.  In Washington, D.C., the best examples of a Patte d'Oie occur at Mount Vernon Square NW (Reservations 176 & 71) Stanton Park NE, and Lincoln Park E.

Another variation of the Patte d'Oie is the Hemicycle, which is often a large semicirclar plaza that foregrounds a large or important building.  This is the case at Union Station NE, where a number of roadways converge at a large open space.  A variety of large and small triangular open spaces emmanate from this configuration; some of which are planted and some of which are used for car parking.