Sep
06

What will the Bezos Learning Center look like?

National Air and Space Director Chris Browne announced that renderings and 3D models of five potential designs will be on display online and at the Smithsonian Castle through Sept. 19.

Starting today, the Smithsonian will display renderings and 3D printed models from five potential design firms for the Bezos Learning Center for public comment. First announced last year, the BLC will be located at the National Air and Space Museum. It will feature learning spaces and offer programs and activities that inspire students to pursue innovation and explore careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) fields, and it will help teachers better utilize the Smithsonian’s collections. The space will also include a restaurant to support the museum’s overall operations.

Concept A

Artists rendering of design concept for Bezos Learning Center
Design Concept A for the Bezos Learning Center. Give your feedback at https://airandspace.si.edu/about-transformation/bezos-learning-center through Sept 19.

Concept B

artists rendering of design concept for Bezos Learning Center
Design Concept B for the Bezos Learning Center. Give your feedback at https://airandspace.si.edu/about-transformation/bezos-learning-center through Sept 19.

Concept C

Artists rendering of design concept for Bezos Learning Center
Design Concept C for the Bezos Learning Center. Give your feedback at https://airandspace.si.edu/about-transformation/bezos-learning-center through Sept 19.

Concept D

Artists rendering of design concept for Bezos Learning Center
Design Concept D for the Bezos Learning Center. Give your feedback at https://airandspace.si.edu/about-transformation/bezos-learning-center through Sept 19.

Concept E

Artists Rendering of possible design
Design Concept E for the Bezos Learning Center. Give your feedback at https://airandspace.si.edu/about-transformation/bezos-learning-center through Sept 19.

Similar to other architectural projects across the Institution, the Smithsonian will seek public comments on the renderings from the five firms being considered for the design and construction of the project. The proposals will be on display in the Great Hall of the Castle Tuesday, Sept. 6 through Monday, Sept. 19. Digital versions of the submissions will also be available on the National Air and Space Museum’s website.

The concepts do not necessarily depict the final design of the facility; they simply explore some of the aesthetic possibilities the form may take. The concepts are being evaluated on the following criteria:

  1. Concept– At a minimum, submitted design concepts must embody an exciting new mission for the BLC while honoring the more classical facades of neighboring museums, like the Hirshhorn and the National Gallery of Art.
  2. Content – Design concepts should incorporate museum content into the architecture. For example, themes like the age of the universe, or the solar system could be represented in the design.  
  3. Framing – Design concepts should communicate the experience taking place inside to the public outside by showcasing learner projects and outputs via “treasure box” style look-ins. Transparent walls bring the experience to the exterior. 
  4. Connection– Designs should connect the BLC to the museum, both theoretically and physically, via a second-floor bridge from the museum to the BLC.
  5. Environment – Design concepts should create an environment that energizes learners with features that showcase learners’ work and present the museum’s collections. They should include outside views to frame and inspire learning, and feature a flexible interior. 

This is not a formal presentation or competition. Comments can be submitted on the website through an electronic form.

This is an exciting endeavor for the National Air and Space Museum and for the entire Institution as we explore innovative and new ways to engage learners. We encourage you to take the time to view and comment on the submitted concepts, either online or at the Castle, in the next two weeks.

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Posted: 6 September 2022
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The Torch relies on contributions from the entire Smithsonian community.

One Response to What will the Bezos Learning Center look like?
    • David DeVorkin
      September 7, 2022 at 5:13 pm

    • Concepts are never to be taken seriously. These are wild and emphasize dramatic attention-getting form over function. Granted, the Hirshhorn was radical when it was built and now it seems integrated into the Mall. NMAI ditto, and now it feels quite right. Only the last one make any attempt to integrate itself into the existing structure. I think that is a very important thing to consider.

      My personal concern is where to put the observatory, make as much of the sky visible as possible, and to be sure that it is integrated with the astronomy park, and is accessible to the public day and night for programming.