Our site is the old Audubon Theatre, built in 1912 on 168th and Broadway in the Harlem/Washington Heights area. Malcolm X hosted meetings for the Organization of Afro American Unity in the theater’s ballroom, which is also the site of his assassination in 1965. After years of abandonment and interference by Columbia University, the remains of the theater were reclaimed to become the Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. The center is a cultural and educational institution aiming to incubate social, racial, and global justice movements rooted in the humanitarian efforts of Malcolm, and the educational vision of Betty. We sought to re-imagine the design of the center, which includes the expansion of its programs into three other nearby sites.
The new Shabazz center will carry on Malcolm and Betty's pursuit of human rights by embracing underrepresented communities, and providing a safe space for the exchange of knowledge and culture.
The design hopes to create a world re-centered upon Malcolm and Betty's ideals for the wealth of one's mind, body, and soul.
The building itself is uniquely positioned to embrace the Shabazz Center's vision. It is both a memorial and community center that connects culture and education, providing a truly impactful experience.
Programs for education and culture are connected through the heart of the building, Malcolm’s memorial.
They've been categorized together on three axes, prompting the expansion of the design into a nearby annex building, and two public outdoor spaces. This categorization informed the way we sought to organize the space.
Symbolism of testament to faith ; represents a fundamental concept of Islam as one of the five pillars. Reflects the beauty and simplicity of Islam.
Customed designed furniture pieces for this project Inspired by arabic traditional seating called 'majilis'. Blending a mix of patterns and textures, the space marries vintage and contemporary styles with a bold, rich color palette featuring deep reds, greens, and oranges. Natural elements like wood and plants infuse warmth and comfort, making the space vibrant, welcoming, and eye-catching to the public.
The aesthetic and materiality of the new Shabazz Center should feel approachable, vibrant and inviting, while also providing a sense of luxury. The common thread of all aesthetic choices should be that this space is a respectful homage to Malcolm and Betty within the community and culture that they fought for.
Breaking away from the formal and quiet atmosphere typical of art galleries, the redesigned space emphasizes a celebrative, fun, casual, and welcoming ambiance. To counteract the pressured and uncomfortable feeling that can detract from art enjoyment, the design incorporates the principle of curves, featuring curved walls, flowing benches, and a piano for visitors to interact with, fostering community engagement. These design choices not only promote longer stays and enhanced art appreciation but also celebrate local artists and Harlem's diverse cultural heritage, all while maintaining muted, cold, and neutral tones.
HONORING MALCOLM: Taking inspiration from the beautiful metalwork of North Africa, a brass inlaid epitaph for Malcolm will be applied to the floor in the place he was assassinated. Thin brass “veining” will be inlaid around the ballroom, forming a path that circulates back to the epitaph.
Installation of a recessed spot beam will serve as an adjustable addition to the memorial.
One of the activities that will be offered in the park is the "Letter to Myself" program. Here we invited the user to write a letter to their future self, describing how they hope to manifest what they learn at the center into their daily lives. The act of physically writing down these hopes promotes personal accountability, encouraging them to make positive changes in their lives.
