NCM Unveils New Building Design

The National Children’s Museum (NCM) has unveiled plans for its new Pelli Clarke Pelli-designed building, slated to open in 2013 at National Harbor, as a physical demonstration of the Museum’s mission to inspire children to care about and improve the world. NCM’s new 150,000 square-foot, LEED-certified building will serve as an active teaching tool, highlighting the accomplishments of children; using recycled and sustainable materials; and celebrating the natural environment. The space boasts an outdoor courtyard, wind turbine, green wall façade, and glass arrival area.

With its unique mission, NCM strives to teach children how to become informed, active citizens. NCM’s eco-friendly building provides another means to demonstrate the Museum’s commitment to children and the planet. Through its new space, NCM will encourage and foster an understanding and love of nature; champion outdoor play (in the Museum courtyard and beyond); and encourage the use of natural materials to foster connections to the environment, helping kids become better stewards of the earth.

The Museum plans to incorporate a number of green features in the new building, including:

• A Wind Turbine: The building’s wind turbine, a symbol of NCM’s commitment to sustainable and renewable energy, will be a source of power.
• A Sun Reflector: A series of reflective panels on the roof of the arrival space will reflect sunlight, minimize artificial lighting, and reduce energy loads during the day.
• A Living Wall: The Museum’s south facing façade features a cable and tray system to support a framework for a living, green wall. The Living Wall will shade the building from the bright, hot southern sun, helping to cool the building and reduce energy demands.
• A Green Roof: A green roof system will provide for sedums and small scale planting, absorb rainwater (reducing storm run off), improve thermal insulation, and reduce the “heat island” effect. 

• Recycled Materials: The new Museum will use recycled structural steel and some recycled brick from demolished buildings.