five design proposals unveiled for the smithsonian's 'bezos learning center'

architects left anonymous for public feedback

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. is preparing for a transformation in the form of the Bezos Learning Center. The team has recently revealed five design proposals from anonymous architecture firms, seeking public review and feedback before selecting a winning entry. Comments are welcome until September 19th.

The $130 million Bezos Learning Center will be funded by a $200 million gift from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. First announced in 2021, it marks the largest donation to the Smithsonian since the Institution’s founding gift from James Smithson in 1846. The project will stand as part of a larger renovation project which began in 2018 to revive the Air and Space Museum on the whole.

The educational center will take the place of Gyo Obata’s recently demolished Wright Place, a stepping, pyramidal restaurant built in 1988 (see designboom’s previous coverage here). Expected to complete in 2024, the center will host restaurants, exhibition spaces, a rooftop terrace, and a public observatory. 

bezos learning center: firm A

a public commons open to all, with a sustainable structure to ‘imbue a sense of wonder, curiosity, and ‘discovery
image via National Air and Space Museum
‘an inclusive, accessible and interactive learning forum’
image via National Air and Space Museum
site plan, restaurant and Astronomy Park
image via National Air and Space Museum

bezos learning center: firm b

view of entry from the National Mall
image via National Air and Space Museum
view of Astronomy Park and teaching steps
Image via National Air and Space Museum

bezos learning center: firm c

the form responds to the curves and domes in many of the district’s monumental structures and museums
image via National Air and Space Museum
its glass pavilion extends the pattern of solid and glass volumes that march down the NASM’s existing façade
image via National Air and Space Museum

bezos learning center: firm d

image via National Air and Space Museum

view of the Learning Courtyard | image via National Air and Space Museum

site plan | image via National Air and Space Museum

bezos learning center: firm e

the outer facades are bisected by a dynamic, fritted-glass portal
image via National Air and Space Museum
the Celestial Promenade in luminous fritted glass to resemble ‘clouds of cosmic dust in the nebula’
image via National Air and Space Museum
this interstitial volume is ‘sculpted as if concentrated energy’ were drawing visitors inward
Image via National Air and Space Museum

project info:

project title: Bezos Learning Center

client: Smithsonian Air and Space Museum