Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery Courtyard Roof Update (Pic)

once completed, I’ll be interested in seeing how the indoor space gets used.

I know this roof is a work of art, a one of a kind architecture developed by a one of a kind architect that costs $25 mil and to which people from all over will travel just to see…..one question though, it’s on the roof, who (except from a high rise condo or helicopter) will be able to see it…..brings new meaning to the term hidden art doesn’t it?

Well, the roof covers an interior courtyard that is very large. The courtyard will be open to the public, and we’re sure that many will be able to appreciate the architecture while gazing up at the roof.

Here is an artist pic of what it might look like from the inside.

The National Capital Planning Commission initially rejected this design by Norman Foster & Partners calling it inappropriate for the building! They finally approved after months of wrangling and some minor changes. This glass-canopy was to have a “beacon-effect” over the area at night. The architects agreed to reduce the light level as a compromise. The height of the glass canopy stayed the same as originally designed.

Observers will see the effects of the glass canopy from inside and outside of the building.

Of course, all the wrangling and delays drove up material costs in the process and further threatened the project.

This roof will have a floating quality when finished, and it should be one of the most beautiful works of architecture and engineering in D.C. Thank goodness that our city’s historic preservationists finally came to their senses. We almost lost this one!

the roof will look fantastic from the inside.