Who designed the layout for Washington D.C.?

The individual who designed the layout for Washington D.C. is Benjamin Banneker. Banneker was a noted African American mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor. In 1791, he collaborated with Andrew Ellicott to create a plan for the new capital, which was to be established between Virginia and Maryland along the Potomac River.

Banneker played a critical role in surveying the boundaries of the city and was instrumental in laying out the streets and major landmarks. His knowledge and experience in mathematics and astronomy contributed to the design of a city that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The careful planning of Washington D.C. has had lasting effects on urban design in the United States.

Others involved in the development of the capital, such as George Washington, had a vision for what the city would represent politically and symbolically, but it was Banneker's technical expertise and execution that made the layout a reality.