Further Research- Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

This post will focus on highlighting the purpose of my building and connecting it to a building I have researched

 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture by David Adjaye (2016)

This museum was creating in order to recognize the long struggle of African Americans and to document their culture, struggles and contributions and the role they played in American history. The museum houses different galleries, exhibitions and collections centered around the history and stories of the enslaved. The building takes inspiration from the 'corona', crown of the Yoruba people of Nigeria, using a bronze coloured aluminium framework it does a great work of letting light in to define the space. "The entire building is wrapped in an ornamental bronze lattice that is a historical reference to African American craftsmanship.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." (ArchDaily, 2019)

I am looking at this building because of what it symbolizes. It reflects the resilience of African Americans and also highlights their diverse culture and the complexity of the African American community. It gives room to the untold stories of their struggles and how it defines their identity in America today. The museum has a massive cultural impact making it much less about the building itself and more about what it represents. "The NMAAHC illustrates how museums can offer a specific narrative alongside a universal message. The African American story is about one culture having empathy with another. The hope is that the museum will offer an open exploration of history, culture and society – thereby addressing profound aspects of the human condition and the positive value inherent in creating a forum for multiple interpretations of America’s history and demography – however uncomfortable those may be." (Adjaye, n.d)

My building is meant to share and promote the importance of African art and performances. It is a centre for cultural exchange and to encourage people to appreciate different cultures, traditions and the meaning behind them. It is meant to enhance communities and also preserve African history. It is meant to evoke feeling of belonging, environment and artistic expression among both locals and non locals. The protea flower represents strength an resilience and my building should represent that aswell

 

References

Adjaye Associates. (n.d.). Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. [online] Available at: https://www.adjaye.com/work/smithsonian-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture-nmaahc/ [Accessed 30 May 2024].

ArchDaily. (2019). Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture / Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup. [online] Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/794203/smithsonian-national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture-adjaye-associates. [Accessed 30 May 2024]