Exploring the World of Building Stories: An Immersive Journey through Children’s Literature and Architecture
In a groundbreaking initiative, the National Building Museum is set to captivate audiences of all ages with its new, decade-long exhibition, “Building Stories,” opening on Sunday, January 21, 2024. This immersive experience, spanning 4,000 square feet, promises to blend the enchanting world of children’s books with the realms of architecture, engineering, construction, and design.
Curated by the esteemed Leonard Marcus, a leading expert in children’s literature, and brought to life by the innovative design team from Plus And Greater Than, “Building Stories” unfolds across four engaging galleries.
Gallery One: “Building Readers”
Embarking on the journey, visitors delve into the foundations of language and the built environment in “Building Readers.” The parallels between book design and architectural construction are unveiled, showcasing rare book dummies, original sketches, and architectural models. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of storytelling and the shaping of our physical surroundings.
Gallery Two: “Your Home, My Home”
Connected by archways inspired by the Three Little Pigs, the transition to “Your Home, My Home” immerses visitors in a round theater bringing beloved stories like Tar Beach, Shadow, and The Snowy Day to life. Exploring the diverse forms of home, from bedrooms to neighborhoods, this gallery resonates with the universal theme of finding one’s place in the world.
Gallery Three: “Scale Play”
With a touch of magic, visitors enter “Scale Play” through a ‘magic portal,’ challenging perceptions through ‘scale play,’ a recurrent theme in children’s literature. Navigating the world as if changing size, this gallery prompts reflection on the impact of size in our understanding of space and architecture.
Gallery Four: “Wider World”
Culminating in “Wider World,” the exhibition converges its concepts to focus on empowering children in the real world. Inspired by award-winning author/illustrator Oliver Jeffers, this gallery encourages visitors to build three-dimensional stories, fostering creativity and collaboration. The displayed books explore the connection between the natural world and manmade systems, promoting responsible engagement.
Aileen Fuchs, the president and executive director of the National Building Museum, expresses excitement about the potential cultural resurgence, aiming to attract over a million visitors over the exhibition’s ten-year span. The exhibition also extends its impact to early learning networks, providing out-of-school opportunities for students.
Building Readers Club
The exhibition’s educational initiative, the Building Readers Club, collaborates with the DC Public Library and DC Public Library Foundation. This free club guides families in exploring the intersection of architecture, engineering, construction, and design in children’s books, offering monthly newsletters, complimentary access to the exhibition, and family-friendly activities.
Sponsored by various organizations, “Building Stories” aims to be more than an exhibition—it’s a community resource.
A Conversation with the Team Behind Building Stories
The minds behind this ambitious project share insights. Cathy Frankel, Deputy Director for Interpretive Content, emphasizes the exhibition’s goal of helping visitors understand their place in the built world through the lens of children’s books. Leonard S. Marcus sheds light on the significance of children’s books in exploring the concept of feeling at home in the world.
Marcus discusses the meticulous selection of books, highlighting the diversity and quality represented. The hope is that visitors see correlations between building stories and building homes and are inspired to create a better world together.
The design team from Plus And Greater Than discusses the exciting elements, including entryway arches constructed from cross-laminated timber, offering a rich three-dimensional experience. They aimed to create an environment where people of all ages can consider engaging in the built environment.
“Building Stories” introduces the concept of ‘built environment literacy,’ emphasizing the importance of understanding the structures and spaces humans design and build. Leonard S. Marcus envisions visitors taking action in their own environments, fostering closer, more thoughtful examination and encouraging children to see themselves from broader perspectives.
As the National Building Museum’s Building Stories Exhibition opens its doors, it invites everyone, regardless of age, to embark on a journey that intertwines the magic of storytelling with the tangible wonders of the built environment.
