North Carolina Civil War History Center

Firm: Vines Architecture (visit website)

Location: Fayetteville, NC

100 Word Description: The NC Civil War History Center is designed to respect the historical arsenal site as well as highlight the stories being told inside. With a conceptual focus on the multiple roles of North Carolina in the Civil War and desire to connect the center to the landscape, a pavilion scheme took shape. Three main public areas Рmain exhibits, an auditorium, and an elevated caf̩ Рare connected with a transparent circulation spine under one large iconic roof. Stretching out into the landscape, outdoor plazas, walkways, and covered shelters encourage visitors to have a significant connection with the ruins themselves.

Architect’s Statement: The History Center will house a large permanent exhibit focused on the stories of North Carolinians before, during, and after the Civil War. The building will also include rotating galleries for traveling exhibits as well as support spaces for all collection functions, including a workshop, large receiving and storage area. A large lobby will serve daily visitors to the center, and will also transform into an event space for public and private functions. An auditorium, classroom spaces, a café and gift shop will also be inside the center. An important aspect of the design program of the History Center is the incorporation of outdoor spaces that connect the visitors to the vast scale and specifics of the Fayetteville Arsenal Ruins on the site. Directly adjacent to the building, a large plaza will serve as an event space as well as an elevated platform to view the Arsenal Ruins and engage the park beyond. A walkway extending into the park leads visitors past the ruins to a picnic and performance shelter and beyond to three significant Historic Houses that will be restored to offer further educational opportunities for visitors.

Type of Construction: Steel frame construction W/ composite metal deck, slab on grade Aluminum Curtain wallPerforated and solid Corten Steel PanelsPhenolic Wood Veneer PanelsKebony Wood INTERIOR: Kebony wood floorsPolished concrete floorsGypsum / Metal StudsLacquered Wall PanelsPerforated GFG ceiling panelsCeramic TileCarpet Tile

Photography: Vines Architecture