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We were lucky enough to be given a sneak preview of the new $48 million Rafael Vinoly-designed addition to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum yesterday. (Another $16 million is being spent on the interiors and exhibitions.) The L-shaped addition, which used over 8 million yellow tiles on its exterior, makes the BCM the first LEED-certified museum in the city. In addition to using green building materials, the design incorporates a number of energy-saving devices such as light and heat sensors to maximize efficiency. In addition to new entry and outdoor areas, the two most striking portions to the addition are a colorful play and learning area for small children designed by May & Watkins (slides 13 and 14) as well as a multi-storefront streetscape being built in the old portion of the building. As you can see from the slideshow, they’re on the home stretch. As of now, the ribbon-cutting is scheduled for some time in September.