moshe safdie: united states institute of peace

'united states institute of peace' by safdie architects, washington, DC, united states
all images © timothy hursley


completed by international firm safdie architects, the 'united states institute of peace' positioned on the national mall
in washington, DC is opening to the public this fall. located at the convergence of 23rd street and constitution avenue,
the organization's first headquarters will support their daily activities regularly involving international conflict management.
programmatic spaces include administrative offices, research archive, library, conference center and an educational center
dedicated to the importance of peacemaking.



exterior view


an undulating spherical roof spans two interior atriums guiding employees views towards the adjacent potomac river and
the lincoln memorial on the mall.  announcing the entrances are cantilevered wing-like structural canopies formed with
steel frames and enclosed with white translucent glass. opaque during the day and glowing at night, the building is visible
from many significant landmarks in the area including the regularly traversed bridges leading into the city.



exterior from constitution avenue



view of south facade



view of south facade



roof from atrium



view of lincoln memorial from atrium



bridge



atrium interior



north atrium



view from the southwest



view of the national mall


project info:


client: united states institute of peace
public opening: september 2011
total area: 150,000 square feet
total cost: 186 million USD