DESIGNWORKS 2018

Smithsonian Institution National Museum of African American History & Culture

Washington, DC

Perkins + Will

Phil Freelon, Zena Howard, Hal Davis, David Adjaye, Rob Anderson

The Museum is the result of a decades-long journey toward the commemoration of black history and culture – and the impact African Americans have had on the United States and the world. The building, located on the Mall in our nation’s capital, establishes a strong connection to both its unique site and America’s longstanding and often overlooked African heritage. The core design ideas driving the building are the three-tiered “corona” form; the bronze color of the corona façade; and the porch element that provides the transition between the building and landscape.

The building’s main entrance features a sweeping front porch with a reflecting pool, welcoming all who approach it from the National Mall. Inside, visitors are guided on a historical and emotional journey. The ground floor Central Hall immediately discloses the internal arrangement of the building – it is open and unrestricted, with 130-foot views up to the higher levels at the edges as well as down to the Concourse.

Below ground, the ambiance is reflective and monumental, achieved by the triple height history gallery and symbolized by the Contemplative Court, where a cylindrical waterfall, coupled with daylight shining down from the oculus above, sets the tone for reflection and remembrance.  Moving upwards as one circulates around the corona, apertures in the skin—or lenses—frame visitors’ views to many important historical landmarks on the National Mall.

(Phil Freelon)

Judges Comments:

“Winner perfection, hit everything in synopsis. It’s a wonderful modern, uplifting iconic expression to deal with a heavy subject matter.  The interior architecture evokes such powerful emotion and yet it’s quiet enough to tell the story. I love the material choices–massive, dark, weighty to contrast with the delicate latticework on the exterior.  Portions of the space become animated with patterned shadows as daylight travels through.”