March 30, 2009
Designs for National Museum of African American History and Culture
Concept design submitted by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with Kling Stubbins.
The Smithsonian Institution has revealed the six architectural designs vying to become the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The concepts—from boxy to spiral-shaped (like the inside of a conch shell, really), geometric to organic—certainly run the gamut. And there’s no shortage of special features, like outdoor amphitheaters, panoramic windows showcasing views of other monuments and roof gardens. (See photo gallery) The designs, photographs and models are on display at the Smithsonian Castle until April 16.
A jury, headed by the museum’s director Lonnie Bunch, will be selecting the winning design in mid-April. Construction of the museum, which will be located on a five-acre plot near the National Museum of American History and the Washington Monument, is scheduled to begin in 2012 and be completed by 2015.
In the meantime, we want to hear what you think. View the designs and let us know your favorite in the poll below.
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I love the circular nature of the Foster + Partners/URS Group, Inc. It would really allow for a great flow through the space.
I like that the spiral design appears to have a green/garden roof.
Design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with Kling Stubbins
Design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with Kling Stubbins… The way the building engages the site is subtle and seems to be the only solution that allows the site and surrounding mall to engage and flow through this site and building, becoming part of it, as opposed to the building seperating itself from it’s surroundings.
It says “how far we have come”. Has a reaching out and embracing presence. The view from it’s interior looks spectacular, spacious and seems to include the city & beyond.
The vast interior space of the Diller Scofidio+Renfro design tells the whole story. The circulation intertwines and engages, allowing glimpses into adjoining rooms and out to the mall. I like the use of the Washington memorial for context.
The Diller Scofio + Renfro/ King Stubbins design is breathtaking and will be a wonderful addition to our Capital.
Interesting “money shot” images, but where are the explanations of the intention of each project?
My vote is for the Foster Design. I like its compactness, its progression of space from the bottom up, and its relationship to the Mall. By using an entry level pushed down into the ground it symbolizes the beginnings of the African American experience and provides an oasis like transition space for Mall visitors. This building is distinctive, inviting and it looks like it belongs on the Mall. I have seen the display of the design concepts at the Smithsonian Castle – and it is well worth a visit. Six presentation boards each, plus a scale model each, explain each team’s concept. Go see it!
Interesting images. Would like to see the interior plans before making a decision.
Only Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup’s scheme addresses the strong consideration of African American culture. Aparently Driller Scofidio’s proposal is only another shape-manimuplated structure, nothing cultural embedded.
“Only Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup’s scheme addresses the strong consideration of African American culture. Aparently Driller Scofidio’s proposal is only another shape-manimuplated structure, nothing cultural embedded.”
Well, that’s not really true! (smile)
The design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with Kling Stubbins is representative of contemporaneity—formally and conceptually. The exhibitions and the contents it will house, be it historical or contemporary is successful and within a considered framework. A new edifice on the mall needs to distinguish itself and articulate this moment in time, as well as suggest a timelessness, something that their design accomplishes. Also, the reference regarding African American culture and heritage and the strength of Freelon/Adjaye’s design—if someone is actually checking, they know that Ricardo Scofidio’s heritage is also Afro-Caribbean. Again, what is reflected in the submissions?
How can anyone tell anything from 2 pictures? I couldn’t vote on any without explanations on use of space, and more pictures.
I just returned from DC and the cherry blossoms. This would be a breathtaking addition to the mall! The design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is perfect.
Valerie Barnett
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/06/AR2009040603808_2.html?sid=ST2009040701623
This link says it all.
Impressive design!
Definitely the design submitted by Diller Scofidio + Renfro & Klingstubbins. It’s about time Washington experiences the finest modern architecture.
Diller Scofidio: Nice Interior Spaces and circulation, Misleading renderings of glass and structure though, would look much bulkier in reality.
Foster: Very Elegant building form, It’s a one liner though, circulation is too contrived.
Safdie: Very Simple, nice interior spaces.
Freelon: Overscaled Exterior, main interior space is too sprawling and ill defined.
Pei: Simple, but uninspired given the site and program.
Predock: Any idea here is ruined by the bizarre imagery. Jurassic Park?
I vote for KlingStubbins!!!!!!!
very Impressive,
I vote for KlingStubbins!
[...] design concept of Foster + Partners/URS Group, Inc. may have claimed favorite in our readers’ poll, but the stately, bronze structure submitted by architects Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup won the [...]
marvelous..ethereal…love it~~~~best wishes~~~~for the bidding~~~
The Safdie project is very under-represented here, but if you look at the images and description on Safdie’s website it shows a great attention to context and program. The large light well frames the Washington monument and the cross-like pieces on the exterior are the masts of a slave ship on display partially below ground- its definitely worth a look.
Plants are established and mature in the module prior to placement on the roof. ,