US Firm Jahn Unveils Stunning Pritzker Military Archives Centre
Military Archives Center, Overseen by Pritzker Family, Reveals Military Documents and Artifacts
Hop in folks, we're jetting off to Somers, Wisconsin, where US architectural powerhouse Jahn has recently completed a jaw-dropping new home for the Pritzker Military Museum & Library.
Ditching the hustle and bustle of Chicago, Illinois, this rural village located 30 miles from Milwaukee (northbound, y'all) in Kenosha County, just got an upgraded dose of history. The vision was simple: a space that embraces flexibility and bold design, offering 1,400 square metres of exhibition and archival storage gold.
Surrounded by the scenic landscapes of Kenosha County, the Pritzker Military Archives Centre strikes a chord in the heart of America's military enthusiasts. Its mission? To strengthen public appreciation for military history, highlight the role of citizen-soldiers, and foster a deeper understanding between the armed forces and the communities they serve.
Open up those jaws wider, folks! Inside those eye-catching red structural trusses lie a treasure trove of documentation and artifacts from US military vets, with most hailing from World War One and World War Two.
"Oorah!" says Jahn President, Evan Jahn, "We're stoked to be part of this dream team that brought the Pritzker Military Archives Centre to life. From soup to nuts, our design has been all about honoring the Centre's mission of learning from past conflicts to avoid repeating them."
Take a closer look, and you'll see a 36-foot structural grid supporting 390-foot trusses acting as loadbearing walls and stabilizing elements. The cantilevered roof frames an outdoor exhibition space, creating a drama-filled grand entrance akin to the cool vibe set by DGT Architects' Estonian National Archives in Tartu.
This beauty is constructed from exposed steel, coated in a vibrant red reminiscent of courage. High-performance glass envelops the building, giving it a shiny, sleek look, while a partial-height glass partition provides a sneaky peek into the curatorial and archival workspaces, offering a thrilling insight into the historical preservation process.
With only 4% of the 17.5-acre site built on, the rest serves as preserved natural landscapes adorned with walking trails, picnic areas, and pathways leading to a wetland reserve. A rainwater harvesting system has been implemented to water the surrounding land, while a spanking new 50,561 kWh solar field powers the complex.
Philip Castillo, Jahn's managing director, talks to us about the project: "My late colleague, Helmut Jahn, always said that in architecture, perfection isn't achievable until there's nothing left to remove. I believe our design for the Pritzker Military Archives Centre embodies that concept."
"We started this journey intending for the building to be rugged and badass like a chunk of military equipment. The structure's exposed welds and fasteners prove its toughness. The disciplined, refined, and elegant enclosure, finished in a red hue befitting courage, adds a touch of sophistication. It's all thanks to the dedication and respect from our client, the contractor, and our team of architects and consultants who shared one common vision—to make this building stunning and a testament to the Pritzker Military Museum & Library's mission."
Credits
Landscape architect: O2Structural engineer: WSPMechanical, electrical, and plumbing: CosentiniCivil engineer: Terra EngineeringLighting design: Reed Burkett Lighting DesignAcoustics: Threshold AcousticsEnergy/comfort: Cyclone Energy Group
Additional Images
!(additional_image_url)
- In the heart of rural Somers, Wisconsin, the Pritzker Military Archives Centre, a project by US architectural firm Jahn, combines its rural environment with a touch of sustainable living, constructing a solar field to power the complex and implementing a rainwater harvesting system to water the surrounding land.
- History, artifacts, and documentation from US military veterans, mainly from World War One and World War Two, are housed within the Pritzker Military Archives Centre, creating a unique home-and-garden hub for military enthusiasts to grow their understanding of military history and the role of citizen-soldiers.
- The Pritzker Military Archives Centre, inspired by the Esteonian National Archives in Tartu designed by DGT Architects, showcases the design excellence of the architecture industry, with an exposed steel structure coated in a vibrant red and the incorporation of technology by implementing solar power and sustainable living elements into the building's design.
