Pritzker Military Archives Center

Jahn ：From the ground up, the Pritzker Military Archives Center makes room for change. Envisioned to accommodate the expanding collections of Chicago’s Pritzker Military Museum & Library, the new facility includes nearly 15,000 square feet of below grade archival storage along with an expansive gallery center that provides locals in nearby Sturtevant, Wisconsin an opportunity to immerse themselves in military history. Modular and efficient building systems work alongside one another to create flexible spaces capable of changing over time. The structure projects the ultimate expression of meticulous engineering through an exposed steel structure clad in a high-performance glass skin patterned to express the structure. Meanwhile, the center’s private spaces are revealed to curious public eyes through a partial height glass partition, offering a lens into the work of curators and archivists. The Pritzker Military Archives Center is based on a 36’ structural grid system where the architecture and the structure are expressed and speak the same language. The side walls are steel trusses that support the roof system and provide the lateral stability required. A great roof cantilevers to frame an outdoor exhibit space, presenting an open and inviting image to guests and creating a prominent and impactful marker on the landscape. Its elevated roof and expansive interior space maximize functional efficiency and visual impact, providing ideal working conditions for staff while inspiring visitors. Spanning 17. 5 acres, the grounds of the Pritzker Military Archives Center are designed with a commitment to preserving a significant amount of its green area. The plan allocates less than 4% of the total area for buildings, ensuring that the nearby wetlands are left untouched. The community area includes green spaces featuring trails for walking and biking, along with picnic spots. To support the extensive landscape of the Memorial Park, rainwater is harvested to be reused for irrigation, while a 50,561 kWh solar field generates electricity for the entire site.