National Museum of African American History & Culture - Washington, DC

Lead designer David Adjaye and lead architect Philip Freelon, together with their architectural team Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup, won an international competition to design the National Museum of African American History & Culture. Their design involved an enveloping lattice which opens the building to exterior daylight, and can be modulated according to the season. This is one of many symbolic representations of the museum, which seeks to stimulate open dialogue about race and help promote reconciliation and healing. The view from this bold building serves as a reminder to visitors that the Museum is an inspiration, open to all as a place of meaning, memory, reflection, laughter, and hope. This design is also architecturally practical and sustainable. In 2018, the museum was officially awarded LEED Gold Certification. ECO Cladding’s Vci.40 concealed system was utilized for fiber concrete panels on this project.