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Building On Peace: The United States Institute of Peace Under Construction

Designed by Moshe Safdie, FAIA, The United States Institute of Peace (USIP)—an independent, non-partisan organization created and funded by Congress to prevent and resolve violent international conflicts—will open its new building headquarters in Washington, DC in September of 2011. The building is organized around two soaring, curved glass atriums that focus on both public event space and private scholarly research. Image courtesy of USIP.

Still under construction, Safdie calls the atrium roof “winglike,” Considering the it’s arcing, spherical shapes and the mission of the Institute, there’s a blunt architectural allusion to dove’s wings. Image courtesy of USIP.

The Peace Institute is located just off the northwest side of the National Mall, within view of many monuments, museums, and federal architectural landmarks. Image courtesy of Safdie Architects.

The building’s roof cuts a unique profile on the Washington horizon, and is visible from many places on the National Mall and across the Potomac River in Virginia. Image courtesy of USIP.

The atrium is made of steel framing with white, translucent glass. Image courtesy of USIP.

During the day, the roofs appear opaque and white. Image courtesy of USIP.

At night the Peace Institute roof glows from within. Image courtesy of USIP.

Inside the Institute’s atrium. Image courtesy of USIP.

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