AIA DC Chapter Design Awards 2021
Oct 12, 2021
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the National Museum of the United States Army is thoughtfully positioned on the crest of an 84‑acre site at Fort Belvoir. The museum is composed of five pavilions of varying heights, connected by transparent glass walkways to create a cohesive yet articulated architectural form. The tallest pavilion rises to 100 feet, serving as a prominent landmark within the wooded landscape.
Clad in steel and glass, the building reflects its surrounding environment, shifting in appearance with the seasons and time of day. Awards jurors praised the project’s elegant proportions, refined massing, and the thoughtful integration of light, materials, and color elements that elevate expectations for contemporary museum design.
Learn more about the project and the design considerations here.“The proportions of the buildings and their massing are elegant… all the themes were thoughtful and beautifully crafted, elevating what a museum can be.” — AIA DC Design Awards Jury