Architects honor new art museum

The American Institute of Architects has awarded new North Carolina Museum of Art building one of its 2011 Institute Honor Awards.

The building, which opened in April, was designed so natural light illuminates the artwork inside. It also features an outdoor sculpture garden with a reflecting pool.

"Worthy of recognition for the precision and technology that went into the design of the ceiling and light well – the way daylight is brought into this building is ingenious," one AIA judge noted.

"From a distance, the building appears as a normal industrial building fitting into its context. Upon approach, it is an amazingly precise and elegant box," wrote another judge.