Competition Heats Up: Smithsonian NMAAHC Design Competition
Amidst the lovely cherry blossoms there has lately been a noticeable buzz around the National Mall. If you live in D.C., you know by now that the National Museum of African American History and Culture (yes, it’s a long name so we call it NMAAHC) is in the throes of an historical design competition that involves some of the world’s best architects. Six firms presented their ideas, designs and models to a panel last week. On Tuesday, April 14, the NMAAHC will announce the winning design and will be one step closer to building the last museum on the Mall.
We wanted to know exactly what kind of museum NMAAHC is looking for, so we set out to discover the secret to a winning Smithsonian design. NMAAHC Director, Lonnie Bunch took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the current design competition, the requirements and challenges the architects will face and the ultimate vision for this historical museum that has already proven to be a hot topic.
Lonnie and his team plan to break ground in 2012 and open the museum on November 18th, 2015. Why the 18th? It’s Lonnie’s birthday and after years of hard work, I believe he’ll enjoy the grand celebration.
Watch below as Lonnie discusses developing one of the most anticipated Smithsonian museums and choosing a design that will represent an entire culture. Oh, it will also be the first green building on the mall and house both a rail car and a slave ship, incorporate modern technology and feature many other great exhibits. No small feat, but Lonnie makes it look easy.
After listening to Lonnie’s vision and criteria, see if you can choose the winner. Take a look at the architectural models below and vote for the building you would love to see on the Mall.
Foster + Partner/URS Group, Inc.
Moody Nolan in association with Antoine Predock
Moshe Safdie & Associates, Inc.
Devrouax & Purnell Architects/Pei Cobb Freed & Partners
Freelon Group/Adjaye Associates & David Brody Bond in association with SmithGroup
Diller Scofidio + Renfro in association with KlingStubbins
April 13th, 2009 at 8:28 am
The design of the building and the landscape with the surrounding trees give the structure a welcoming feeling.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:30 am
The design relect the modern atchitectural together with the heritage of African Americal history.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I think the design is much more simpliest and clean looking.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:46 am
This design is very inspiring, it reminds me of an African crown.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I believe the Moody Nolan design is the most unique and most creative. I love the curvy walkways and the hidden transitions between the indoors and the outdoors. I think it would be a priceless addition to the mall.
April 13th, 2009 at 8:57 am
The Freelon design is both clean and elegant. This design will make a nice addition to the mall.
Also given the current economic state it would be nice to the keep design dollars in the in US. Let’s keep our people employed first.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:06 am
The smooth lines and the hidden transitions of the Moody Nolan design are both unique and intriguing. I hope this design is built so I can walk the completed structure.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:35 am
simple and clean design
April 13th, 2009 at 9:36 am
It is difficult to judge the designs based on the images of the models only. I have had the privilege of spending an hour at the Smithsonian Castle looking at the boards and models in detail. All of the designs are extremely creative. Most of them would be acceptable. Two stand out: The Moody Nolan and the Freelon/Adjaye/Bond designs. I would vote for the Moody Nolan design because it has the greatest depth and richness.
April 13th, 2009 at 9:45 am
GREAT DESIGN
April 13th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I would like to say that Moody Nolan’s design is the most inspiring for me personally. I know nothing of architecture; however, I do know what I like!!
April 13th, 2009 at 11:06 am
The Moody Nolan design is visually exciting. This museum will draw visitors from the design statement that the building makes in addition to its contents. The objective is to get people inside and this design will help achieve that objective.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:15 am
I love the Moody-Nolan design!
There is a welcoming feel to the building. It also looks like it already belongs to the site and to the community.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
If there is any such thing as an African American Cultural Aesthetic, the Moody/Nolan - Antoine Predock Design is the best representation of it that I have seen thus far.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Powerful design is created by ideas that generates the most meaniful experience to truly connect with people. Moody Nolan / A. Predock’s design is superior to the others in richness of ideas and depth of their story.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:41 am
The design entry by Moody Nolan would best compliment our National Mall.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
These designs are an expression of the artistic and cultural talent in the design industry. I am partial to Moody Nolan because it seems to rise out of the earth and encompass the true spirit of the AA experience. I hope it wins. Great effort everyone!
April 13th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
The Moody/Nolan is my pick b/c the entrance reminds me of crossing over water representing how African Americans came to the new world via the middle passage; also the meandering pathways throughout the building visually represent the winding path through American history. I would love to hear the original concepts behind all of the design elements used.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Many thanks for all of your comments and feedback. It’s exciting to see which designs people connect with. It looks like there is a clear leader in our poll!
The official winner will be announced tomorrow. Check our blog for an inside look at the winning design and hear from the winning team!
April 13th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
All of the designs are good!
But the request is to select the design that should win the contest…
An EXCELLENT design must be cutting-edge, futuristic, amazing, intriguing and inviting. The design that exhibits all of the characteristics mentioned above is best represented by Moody Nolan. Moody Nolan is truly a change agent for the architectural world.
Smithsonian thank you for the opportunity to be a part of a life changing opportunity!