Museum of the Dream Reformed
America’s Community Canvas Museum
Parti
Defining Tactical Architecture
Tactical architecture refers to a design approach that emphasizes adaptability, community engagement, and responsiveness to both environmental and social changes. As described in the Museum of the Dream Reformed project, it involves creating dynamic spaces that serve immediate needs while remaining flexible for future use. Tactical architecture focuses on making buildings versatile, often incorporating temporary structures, sustainable practices, and user interaction, allowing spaces to evolve over time based on the needs of the community and environmental factors.
Parti to Final Form
Initial Digital Section Sketch
Second Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Contextual Harmony
The design of the building reflects a harmonious interplay between its surroundings and its purpose. Inspired by the undulating waves of the nearby Tidal Basin and the powerful curvature of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the structure embodies a fluid, organic form that symbolizes unity and motion. In plan, its sweeping lines evoke the convergence of waves, mirroring the gathering of individuals within a shared space. As a tribute to the ideals of community and reflection, the form seamlessly draws visitors inward from the welcoming entrance and auditorium to an elevated reflective space on the second floor, connected by an open bridge. This bridge preserves accessibility to the soccer fields to the west while maintaining a sense of flow and openness.
As the building progresses, its form dynamically ascends, converging into a singular motion that signifies the collective strength of a unified community. This upward trajectory fosters a sense of growth and purpose, elevating the visitor’s experience both physically and symbolically. The structure becomes a physical metaphor for progress and togetherness, inviting individuals to reflect on shared values while immersing themselves in a space that resonates with the spirit of unity and aspiration.
