STORYN Studio for Architecture has garnered international acclaim for its design of the forthcoming Woodson African American Museum of Florida in St. Petersburg. The project, which has already received four major awards and stands as a finalist for another, demonstrates the firm’s commitment to cultural integrity, innovation, and architectural excellence. Recognized by institutions including the Architizer A+Awards, World Architecture Festival, and AIA chapters in Florida and Tampa Bay, the museum design positions STORYN among the leaders shaping the future of civic and cultural architecture.
MUSEUMS
The planned 40,000-square-foot museum will serve as a cultural anchor for the region, encompassing four permanent galleries, an orientation theater, and a space for visiting exhibitions. By securing Smithsonian Affiliate status, the institution will meet rigorous standards for scholarship and presentation, solidifying its role as a hub for both local and national dialogues. In doing so, it responds to the museum’s mission of preserving, celebrating, and advancing the history and cultural contributions of African Americans.
Central to STORYN’s vision is Afrofuturism, which informs both the conceptual framework and the physical expression of the building. This lens allows the museum to bridge historical narratives with forward-looking ideas, encouraging visitors to engage with themes of resilience, creativity, and innovation. The architectural forms take cues from Zulu beadwork, translating its circular rhythm into precast concrete panels that rise from the earth like sculptural totems. This visual and material strategy weaves African traditions into the fabric of the site, reinforcing the project’s symbolic and cultural resonance.
The museum’s exterior form is defined by robust precast concrete panels, chosen for both their symbolic and functional qualities. These panels convey permanence and rootedness while simultaneously opening the building to its surroundings. STORYN draws on sustainable principles inherent in traditional African building practices, adapting them to the subtropical climate of St. Petersburg. This includes thoughtful use of resources, climate responsiveness, and community-centered strategies that position the building as a leader in environmental stewardship.
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida is envisioned as a living, breathing cultural hub, an environment for education, reflection, and dialogue. Through spatial organization and material expression, the project aims to inspire awe while providing a framework for cultural exchange. Afrofuturism plays a key role in this ambition, situating the museum not only as a repository of history but also as a stage for imagining new cultural futures.
For Everald Colas, Founding Principal of STORYN, the awards represent recognition of a design philosophy grounded in listening, inquiry, and service. “Every project is an opportunity to uplift communities, challenge assumptions, and shape spaces that reflect the dignity and complexity of the people they’re built for,” he notes. The accolades affirm the museum’s potential as a landmark institution, one that will enrich St. Petersburg and beyond for generations.
