Proj Overview

Project Overview

This Museum is a multi-phase project located in New Orleans, LA. Phase IV - houses The Solomon Victory Theater, The Stage Door Canteen, Retail, The American Sector Restaurant and Bar, Executive Offices, and Central Plant. The overall design approach for the Museum's ongoing 240,000 square foot expansion is to offer architectonic events that honor the story of World War II.

Precast Solution

The structure was designed to represent the rocky Cliffs of Normandy. Consisting of mostly large-scale precast concrete panels with angular edges and joints, the street facade gives an impression of "Shields" which protect the interior spaces.

Precast concrete panels were made with gray cement and an "as-cast", form-finish, which allows for a natural modeled finish. There are also no 90-degree corners on the project. The precast walls lean in and out at different angles.
Precast's versatility and ability to be formed into different shapes, angles and sizes, made it the perfect choice for this museum.

 

Awards_
2011 PCI Design AwardsBest Public/Institutional Building, Cowinner
Project Team

Architect

Voorsanger Mathes, L.L.C., New Orleans, LA

Engineer

Weidlinger Associates Inc., New York, NY

General Contractor

Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc, Kenner, LA

Owner

The National World War II Museum, Inc., New Orleans, LA

Precaster

Gate Precast Company, Monroeville, AL

Precast Specialty Engineer

Gate Precast Company, Monroeville, AL

Key Project Attributes

  • Typical vertical panel joints were at 83 degrees
  • There were 13 panels on the project that served as a "roof deck". Some of these panels cantilevered out more than 10 feet from the support beam.
  • The inherent resiliency of precast concrete will help protect the structure from storms.