A Design for the National Museum of African American History and Culture@Arch

The Smithsonian Institution chose a team led by David Adjaye, the celebrated Tanzanian-born, London-based architect, to design the National Museum of African American History and Culture, scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. The team that created the winning design, left, also includes the Freelon Group, Davis Brody Bond and SmithGroup.

Photo: Courtesy of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup

The museum is expected to cost $500 million and will be built on a site near the Washington Monument, after a three-year design period to turn the winners' idea into a workable blueprint.

Photo: Courtesy of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup

A view of the lobby design. Although the museum does not have a building yet, it has already begun collecting artifacts and conducting seminars and other events, including a recent two-day program on the Black Power movement.

Photo: Courtesy of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup

In accepting the commission, Mr. Adjaye said he believed the primary spirit behind the building, whose interior will be open to skylights at its top, would be one of praise. “Throughout the history of African-American struggle and celebration, there are these moments of praise,” he said. “It’s for us a deeply spiritual and powerful culture.”

Photo: Courtesy of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup

The winners of the design competition were chosen over five others, including Diller Scofidio & Renfro, whose entry is seen at left.

Photo: Courtesy of Diller Scofidio & Renfro and Kling Stubbins

An entry by the well-known British architect Norman Foster.

Photo: Courtesy of Foster & Partners/URS Group, Inc.

A design by a team comprised of Devrouax & Purnell and Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects.

Photo: Courtesy of Devrouax & Purnell Architects and Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects

The entry by Moody Nolan and Antoine Predock included a large amphitheater on the other side of the structure.

Photo: Courtesy of Moody Nolan and Antoine Predock Architect PC

An entry by Moshe Safdie and Associates.

Photo: Courtesy of Moshe Safdie and Associates Inc.

@Source from: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/04/15/arts/design/20090415-smithsonian-slideshow_index.html