The National Building Museum Showcases A South Forty: Contemporary Architecture and Design in the American South

The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. is set to open a landmark exhibition titled A South Forty: Contemporary Architecture and Design in the American South on February 15, 2025. Curated by Peter MacKeith, Dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas, and designed by Jonathan Boelkins, the exhibition captures the evolving spirit of Southern design through more than 40 architectural practices.

The Context

Spanning the southeastern United States—from the North Carolina coast to Oklahoma’s Highway 40—the exhibition reflects the region’s dynamic growth and cultural diversity. It underscores how architects are redefining Southern identity while addressing challenges such as climate resilience, population shifts, and urban development.

The Exhibition

A South Forty features a diverse array of projects, from intimate homes to transformative civic spaces. These works showcase how architects are blending local materials, environmental responsiveness, and community-oriented design to create buildings that embody both heritage and progress.

The exhibition includes renowned names such as Marlon Blackwell Architects, Brooks + Scarpa, EskewDumezRipple, and Rural Studio, highlighting architectural ingenuity that bridges tradition and modernity.

Leadership Perspective

“Our mission is to inspire curiosity about the built environment,” said Aileen Fuchs, President and Executive Director of the National Building Museum. “A South Forty exemplifies how design can strengthen communities while telling a broader story of creativity, resilience, and place.”

Thematic Focus

The exhibition delves into place-based design, emphasizing harmony between environment, culture, and community. It highlights architecture as both a mirror and maker of regional identity, acknowledging history while shaping the South’s future built environment.