United States Institute of Peace Washington, D.C.

PROJECT COST: $108 million

Clark Construction Group of Bethesda, Md., is building a new headquarters for the United States Institute of Peace, an independent, peace-building institution established by the U.S. Congress. The building is northwest of the National Mall facing the Lincoln Memorial.

Clark began construction on the $108-million, 154,000-sq-ft, five-story building in June. It will have two levels of underground parking.

To proceed with foundation work, the site required 95,000 cu yd of excavation, 65,000 cu yd of which was rock. The excavation support system required a 24- to 54-ft vertical cut with 134 soldier beams, 40 driven and 94 drilled; 22,000 sq ft of lagging; 13,000 sq ft of shotcrete; 271 drilled tiebacks; and 770 drilled rock bolts.

Moshe Safdie and Associates of Somerville, Mass., designed the concrete building as a symbolic statement of the nation’s commitment to peace. It features three sections—a 20,000-sq-ft public education center, with multimedia exhibits, simulated games and films; conference center with 230-seat auditorium and 45-seat amphitheater; and working space for nearly 200 staff members. Atriums link the three components, which are covered by a series of steel-frame and white translucent glass wing-like roof elements.

The project team aims for LEED certification. The building will use recycled materials, eliminate odorous building materials, maximize daylighting and landscape to conserve water.

The institute strives to prevent and resolve violent international conflicts and increase conflict management capacity by empowering others with peace-building knowledge, skills and resources.

Key Players

Owner: United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C.
Contractor: Clark Construction Group, Bethesda, Md.
Architect: Moshe Safdie and Associates, Somerville, Mass.