Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled its designs for a new National Museum of the United States Navy.
The new state-of-the-art museum by the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. is envisioned as a home for both Naval veterans and the public, a living memorial to the U.S. Navy's heritage, and a lighthouse in the community for education and public events.
The new attraction is intended to be a modern, public-facing space comprising a new building and ceremonial courtyard, as well as the potential renovation of existing historical buildings. The campus would consist of approximately 270,000 square feet, including 100,000 square feet of gallery space.
"As a Dane and a resident of a houseboat - a Norwegian ferry I converted into my family home - to imagine a museum for the United States Navy is a true labour of love!" said Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Creative Director of BIG.
BIG's proposal, developed in collaboration with landscape architects Olin Studio and digital media agency Squint/Opera, seeks to reflect the historical context of the Navy Yard, while referencing the scale, materials and details of Navy vessels. An array of large-scale vitrines opens up towards a public street, welcoming visitors and locals with an impressive glimpse into the museum's collection of artefacts inside and outside, conveying the mission, lineage and breadth of operations that constitute the US Navy.
BIG's vision is developed with flexibility and utility in mind to allow for different events simultaneously in and around the building. Rather than closing or compromising the museum due to events, the visitor experience is enhanced by the varying spectacles playing out during the day, allowing visitors glimpses of events while enjoying full access to the galleries.
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