The Architecture of David Adjaye

The WaPo reports on the winning design for the new National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The bronze, layered corona atop a stone base, according to David Adjaye, would be the defining element of the structure, which could be the last major building added to the expanse between the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument.... The crown concept, which would allow natural light to flow into the structure through bronze screens, was inspired by images from African and American history, Adjaye said, "this idea of uplifted praise sort of imagery." It evokes traditional headdresses worn by African-American women [he might be referring to this], as well as the colonial crown from Africa and the idea "that a hat-wearing person is a free person...who doesn't have to carry a load but could wear a hat."

via Bombastic Element