Last year during Doors Open Baltimore 2018, Bmore NOMA hosted an interactive activity that asked Baltimore residents the question “What would you like to see in your neighborhood?”. With over 25 participants, our members learned what design interventions were truly sought after by community members, and in return, we provided residents with the tools to reach out to their city council representatives. Read more about it here: https://www.bmorenoma.org/post/doors-open-2018
This year, we reflected on the work of renowned architect and NOMA member, Phil Freelon. Freelon, who passed away earlier this year after battling ALS, was known for his work on many iconic cultural and civic spaces throughout the country. Through his Durham, NC based practice, Freelon completed numerous projects, including the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, GA, Emancipation Park in Houston, TX, the Harvey Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, NC, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum right here in Baltimore, MD. Freelon achieved international acclaim for his role on the core architecture team along with J. Max Bond and David Adjaye for the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History and Culture. In addition to being one of the most iconic architects of the modern era, Freelon was a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects. Many licensed African-American architects attribute their careers to Freelon’s mentorship and friendship.
In honor of Phil Freelon, Bmore NOMA hosted an informational table at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in downtown Baltimore during Doors Open Baltimore 2019. In collaboration with the museum and AIA Baltimore, architect Gary Bowden, provided an intimate tour of the building and shared his experiences working with Freelon as a member of the design team for the museum. Read more about Phil Freelon below.
