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.
Comment by Ryan — March 31, 2009 @ 6:47 pm
I like that the spiral design appears to have a green/garden roof.
Comment by Courtney Quinn — April 1, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with Kling Stubbins
Comment by Sherry Bailey — April 1, 2009 @ 11:11 am
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.
Comment by Whitney Van Dean — April 1, 2009 @ 12:16 pm
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.
Comment by Janet Barbieri — April 1, 2009 @ 12:50 pm
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.
Comment by Adam Letcher — April 1, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
The Diller Scofio + Renfro/ King Stubbins design is breathtaking and will be a wonderful addition to our Capital.
Comment by Edward Barbieri — April 1, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
Interesting “money shot” images, but where are the explanations of the intention of each project?
Comment by Nate Cornman — April 3, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
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!
Comment by Leo Corb — April 4, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Interesting images. Would like to see the interior plans before making a decision.
Comment by Wasanthi Senaratne — April 6, 2009 @ 2:41 am
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.
Comment by Cai — April 6, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
“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)
Comment by Leo Corb — April 6, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
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?
Comment by Mary Ellen Carroll — April 7, 2009 @ 12:34 am
How can anyone tell anything from 2 pictures? I couldn’t vote on any without explanations on use of space, and more pictures.
Comment by Tom M — April 7, 2009 @ 8:33 am
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
Comment by Valerie Barnett — April 7, 2009 @ 10:11 am
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/06/AR2009040603808_2.html?sid=ST2009040701623
This link says it all.
Comment by Anthony L. — April 8, 2009 @ 12:39 am
Impressive design!
Comment by George Gadson — April 9, 2009 @ 4:43 am
Definitely the design submitted by Diller Scofidio + Renfro & Klingstubbins. It’s about time Washington experiences the finest modern architecture.
Comment by Regina Paik — April 9, 2009 @ 10:39 am
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?
Comment by Al — April 9, 2009 @ 11:28 am
I vote for KlingStubbins!!!!!!!
Comment by Debbie — April 9, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
very Impressive,
Comment by dave bajwa — April 10, 2009 @ 11:24 am
I vote for KlingStubbins!
Comment by etta castelluccio — April 14, 2009 @ 9:13 am
[...] 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 [...]
Pingback by TheDesign Announced for National Museum of African American History and Culture | Around The Mall — April 14, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
marvelous..ethereal…love it~~~~best wishes~~~~for the bidding~~~
Comment by irmin richey — April 17, 2009 @ 12:38 am
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.
Comment by Kristine — April 19, 2009 @ 4:45 am
Plants are established and mature in the module prior to placement on the roof. ,
Comment by Mark14 — October 22, 2009 @ 6:02 pm