Intense geometry: the National Museum of the American Indian: imitating the natural elements of wind, water, and light presents design challenges for the contractor on a very high-profile project

Concrete Construction, August, 2002 by S.C. McCraven

Summary

When complete, the museum dome will top off at 120 feet, a height that D.C. municipal code rules must be consistent with nearby Capitol landmarks, including the NMAI's closest neighbors, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Gallery of Art. The front doors of the NMAI will align directly with the U.S. Capitol dome. The opening date of the museum will be September of 2004. Native people will celebrate the opening of this magnificent structure, whose surface will look like a stratified stone mass carved through centuries by nature's forces of wind and water.

NMAI facilities planner, Duane Blue Spruce (Laguna and San Juan Pueblo) explains the cultural significance. "The NMAI is a living monument to Native people, a chance for Native people to take their proper place among other cultures represented on the National Mall. It is an honor to be among the numerous individuals who are working to make this project a reality."

Project Participants:

Owner: The Smithsonian Institution

Architect: Polshek SmithGroup and Jones & Jones

General Contractor: Clark/TMR, A Joint Venture of The Clark Construction Group of Bethesda, Md., and Table Mountain Rancheria Enterprises of Friant, Calif.

Concrete Contractor: Clark Concrete Contractors, LLC, a subsidiary of The Clark Construction Group

Forming Engineering and Equipment: Conesco Doka, Ltd., Little Ferry, N.J.

Engineers of Record: Cosentini & Associates (MEP/FP) & Severud Associates (Structural) Reinforcing Steel: Harris Rebar Atlantic Allentown, Pa.

Concrete Pumping: Curtis Creek Concrete Pumping of Washington, D.C.

Ready-Mix Supplier: Aggregate Industries, Greenbelt, Md.