An architectural marvel stands at the North Gate of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs – the USAFA Hosmer Visitor Center. This 34,000-square-foot facility, nestled within the extensive TrueNorth Commons development, plays a crucial role in the region’s educational and economic landscape.
Innovative Design
The Air Force Thunderbirds architecturally inspire the Hosmer Visitor Center. Its four-winged roof design mirrors the expansive profiles of a Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk, the largest delta-wing aircraft. The design symbolizes the Academy’s four-class progression from the fourth to the first year. A critical requirement for the project was maintaining the sleek image of winged aircraft, ensuring no penetrations through the metal panel roof system. Typically, buildings have vents and mechanical equipment on their roofs, which would disrupt this aerodynamic aesthetic. RMH Group devised a solution where all mechanical systems and vents route through the sides of the building. Louvers and vents strategically allow the mechanical intake and exhaust systems to pass through the building’s less visible back side below the third roof’s trailing edge without compromising the roof’s appearance, preserving the visual integrity of the Delta-wing design.
The Visitor Center will be an iconic architectural marvel, following the footsteps of the Cadet Chapel. One of the most striking features of this building is its 80-foot-tall south-facing atrium, with views of the Academy and Pikes Peak. However, this design posed a challenge: effectively cooling the atrium while mitigating cold drafts experienced during winter. To tackle this challenge, RMH Group designed an innovative radiant-slab cooling system. This system stands out because it can capture radiant energy from solar gain before it can re-radiate to other parts of the building. The radiant space conditioning system circulates chilled water through tubing circuits embedded within the building’s floor. The floor functions as a heat sink, providing efficient cooling to the space and its occupants. Additionally, displacement ventilation and fin-tube radiation sweep the atrium glass. This setup helps control conduction heat from the glass, carries it away before it can enter the space, and prevents cold drafts during the winter. These systems maximize energy efficiency and provide high thermal comfort and heating performance. To enhance the dynamic sense of movement the tiered roof wings create, the luminaries are strategically positioned to accentuate the building’s form without detracting from its aesthetic. The luminaries highlight the design elements and provide a safe and secure atmosphere for visitors.
Community Impact
As part of the City for Champions Initiative, this project is instrumental in uplifting the region’s quality of life and aligns with the Air Force Academy Foundation’s goals and the broader development of TrueNorth Commons, which includes commercial spaces, retail establishments, and the 375-room Hotel Polaris. The Hosmer Visitor Center is anticipated to attract over 1M visitors annually, contributing to a projected boost in the local economy of $4.4M in new annual sales tax revenue. By creating jobs and supporting local businesses, the project fosters community pride and enhances public welfare.
As an educational platform, the Hosmer Visitor Center will include high-tech exhibits and experiential storytelling that illustrate the role of engineering in modern life and military operations. From virtual reality experiences to detailed depictions of cadet life from arrival at the Academy to graduation, the center aims to inspire future generations and enhance public awareness of the Air Force mission.
The Hosmer Visitor Center exemplifies the culmination of engineering excellence through its innovative design, sustainable practices, and significant social and economic contributions. As a transformative social institute, educational platform, and economic catalyst, it showcases the ingenuity and capabilities of The RMH Group and its partners by addressing complex challenges with innovative engineering solutions.
Congratulations to the Entire Project Team:
- General Contractor: G.E. Johnson
- Architect: Fentress Architects
- MEP Engineering: The RMH Group
- Civil Engineering & Landscaping Design: Matrix Design Group
- Structural Engineering: Martin/Martin
- Life Safety: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
- Exhibit Design: Nasco | Gallagher & Associates
