The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) designed by British architect David Adjaye opens its doors to the public on September 24, 2016 in Washington, D.C. After David Adjaye Associates, lead architect Philip Freelon, together with their architectural team Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup won the competition in April 2009 to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture, David Adjaye Associates has consolidated it's US portfolio with arguably the nation’s most prestigious new building.

Located on Constitution Avenue, adjacent to the National Museum of American History and the Washington Monument, the museum houses exhibit galleries, administrative spaces, theatre space and collections storage space for the NMAAHC. As lead designer for the Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup (FAB) team, David Adjaye’s approach has been to establish both a meaningful relationship to this unique site as well as a strong conceptual resonance with America’s deep and longstanding African heritage. 

The design rests on three cornerstones: the “corona” shape and form of the building; the extension of the building out into the landscape – the porch; and the bronze filigree envelope.

Situated on the Washington Monument grounds the museum maintains a subtle profile in the landscape – more than half is below ground – with five storeys above. The corona is based on elements of the Washington Monument, closely matching the 17-degree angle of the capstone and the panel size and pattern has been developed using the Monument stones as a reference. 

The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze lattice that is a historical reference to African American craftsmanship. The density of the pattern can be modulated to control the amount of sunlight and transparency into the interior. 

The south entry is composed of the Porch and a central water feature. An extension of the building out into the landscape, the porch creates an outdoor room that bridges the gap between the interior and exterior.

The museum occupies 39,000 square-meters (420,000 ft2) in site and at 50m (49’-2”) deep, the setback is similar to other buildings on the north side of the Mall. The underside of the porch roof is tilted upward allowing reflection of the moving water below. 

This covered area creates a microclimate where breezes combine with the cooling waters to generate a place of refuge from the hot summer sun. There is also an outdoor patio on the porch rooftop that is accessed from a mezzanine level within the building.

Inside the building, visitors will be guided on a historical and emotional journey, characterised by vast, column free spaces, a dramatic infusion of natural light and a diverse material palette comprising pre-cast concrete, timber and a glazed skin that sits within the bronze lattice. 

Below ground, the ambience is contemplative and monumental, achieved by the triple height history gallery and symbolised by the memorial space – the “oculus” – that brings light diffused by a cascade of water into the contemplative space from the Monument grounds. 

Moving upwards, the views become pivotal, as one circulates along the corona with unrivalled panoramas of the Mall, Federal Triangle buildings and Monument Grounds.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans. To date, the museum has collected more than 36,000 artifacts. 

Nearly 100,000 individuals have become charter members of the museum. When the NMAAHC opens on September 24, 2016, it will be the 19th and newest museum of the Smithsonian Institution.

Project Facts

Project name: The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)

Architect: Freelon Adjaye Bond Smith Group 

Client: Smithsonian Institution 

Structural Engineer: Guy Nordeson and Associates -Robert Silman Associates 

Mechanical Engineer: WSP Flack + Kurtz 

Sustainability Consultant: Rocky Mountain Institute 

Total Area: 420,000 ft2 

Contract Value: $504m

Landscape Architect: Gustafson Guthrie Nichol 

Lighting Consultants: Fisher Marantz Stone 

Acoustics / AV / Theatre / Multi-Media Consultants: Shen Milson Wilke 

Façade Consultant: R.A. Heintges & Associates 

Security Consultants: ARUP North America

All images © Alan Karchmer

> via David Adjaye Associates