The U.S. Air Force Memorial is simple, elegant, and powerful. This competition-winning design by Jim Freed of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners honors those in the Air Force who gave their lives in defense of their country. The landscape unfolds in a sequence that heightens the experience of the Memorial. The concept arises from ancient temple structures, increasing emotion as one passes from court to sanctuary. Areas are defined by changes in tree species: oak, London plane, maple. As one passes through the site, the soaring stainless steel spires are seen piercing the sky above. From the interior Parade Grounds, and nearer the inner sanctum, towering Tulip poplars – the straightest trunks in nature – emulate temple columns, standing as if an honor guard. Here, the landscape opens to an overlook on which the spires are standing at the edge – a promontory above the Pentagon, with the historic core of Washington, D.C. in the distance, and adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery into which the Memorial will eventually be incorporated. This project was designed by David Rubin while Associate at Olin.
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