National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center
Quantico, Virginia USA

The firm won a national design competition for the United States Marine Corps Heritage Center project. The museum details the Marines' 230 years of history and their contribution to the freedom enjoyed by all Americans.

Initial inspiration for the museum came from a sense of strength evoked by the Flag Raisers at Iwo Jima, and this evolved into a soaring 210-foot mast. The mast now recalls more than simply the Flag Raisers; it evokes notions of swords at salute, Howitzer cannons ready for fire, upward and onward images of powerful aircraft take-offs, bayoneted rifles held in advance and drawn swords at their apogee. The dramatic composition of structural lines creates a poised image of strength and stability and interprets the spirit of the Marine Corps. See sustainable design features