Principal Architect for Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Comes to Columbia
February 15, 2016
Three groups partner to host event featuring Philip Freelon, FAIA LEED AP
The Columbia Design League, in partnership with the Friends of African American Art and Culture (FAAAC) and the American Institute of Architects Greater Columbia (AIAGC), presents a design presentation featuring Phil Freelon on Friday, February 26. The event will feature Philip G. Freelon, FAIA, founder of Durham, N.C. architectural firm the Freelon Group.
The Freelon Group is the architect of record for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. Freelon serves as the design guarantor, ensuring the design reflects the values and priorities of the museum and the Smithsonian Institution.
The presentation, which is sponsored by architectural and interior design firm Watson Tate Savory, will be held at the Columbia Museum of Art at 1515 Main Street. The meeting is open to the public. The event is free for current members of the CDL, FAAC, AIA and students with a valid ID. The cost for nonmembers is $10. Attendees are asked to RSVP by February 24at http://bit.ly/1KEjLaJ. Seating is limited. The meeting begins with a social hour from 6:00-7:00 p.m., with the presentation beginning at approximately 7:15 p.m.
The NMAAHC, which occupies the last buildable site on the National Mall, is situated prominently next to the National Museum of American History and Washington Monument. Expected to open in September of this year, the museum will be a centerpiece venue for ceremonies and performances, as well as a primary exhibition space for African American history and culture.
Founded in 1990, the Freelon Group has earned recognition for African and African American museum design. The firm’s portfolio includes the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture in Baltimore, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture in Charlotte, N.C., and the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco. Freelon is also the design architect for the recently opened National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. Their work has earned multiple AIA design awards.
About the Columbia Design League
The Columbia Design League is an affiliate group of the Columbia Museum of Art. The group works to educate others about design excellence, emphasize the importance of great design, and to broaden understanding of how good design affects nearly every facet of life. The Design League gathers its membership for an annual series of meetings and welcomes guests and nonmembers with an interest in design. To connect with the Columbia Design League, like the group on Facebook or follow them Twitter.
About the Friends of African American Art & Culture
Friends of African American Art & Culture is an affiliate group of the Columbia Museum of Art. Members, open to all genders, ethnicities and ages, share an appreciation for the artistic and cultural contributions of African Americans. The group brings together African American art enthusiasts for private gatherings, studio tours and events featuring world-renowned creators of African-American art. To connect with the FAAAC, like the group on Facebook.
About the American Institute of Architects Greater Columbia
AIA Greater Columbia is one of six sections of the South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The association is dedicated to providing members with opportunities to gain knowledge through continuing education, advocate together with one voice for the public’s health, safety and welfare, and to become more involved in communities where better places for people can be created. To connect with AIAGC, like the group on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
