National Juneteenth Museum

From Symbol to Form — The narrow residential typology is commonly found in African American communities throughout the southern United States. Their exterior characteristics include a gabled roof and a front porch. The museum’s architectural form combines this local typology with the Nova found on the Juneteenth Flag.

AUDITORIUM — The auditorium house is widened to meet the 250 target seat count.

HOUSES — The massing concept arranges houses around a 12-point star, creating a shared courtyard.

PEAK HEIGHTS — The roof heights vary to give unique identities to the variety of the programs.

MAIN ENTRY — The house towards the south provides direct access into the museum, black box, and courtyard.

MATERIALS — The roof is clad in PV panels, and the exterior façades are glazed, wood-clad, and feature an LED display.

OVERHANGS — Each house features an overhang that provides shading and forms a porch along its perimeter. The courtyard also features an overhang providing shade.

SYMBOLIC VERNACULAR — The Juneteenth Flag consists of four symbolic elements: the star in the center, representing the Lone Star State - the final state to enforce freedom for all; the Nova, bursting around the star, symbolizing a new beginning for African Americans; the arc, which represents a new horizon of opportunities and promise; and the colors of red, white, and blue, which are a reminder that enslaved people and their descendants were and are Americans.