Conservation and Relocation of the U-505 Submarine

Citation of Merit

  • Goettsch Partners
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • Consultants Jones Lang LaSalle (Program Management); Halvorson & Partners (Structural Engineering); Primera Engineers (MEP/FP, Civil Engineering); Available Light (Lighting Design)
  • Division Institutional
  • Location Chicago, IL
  • General contractor W.E. O'Neil Construction Co.

Photos

(Click each for a larger version)

Conservation and Relocation of the U-505 Submarine photo #1
Photo: Jon Miller, Hedrich Blessing
Conservation and Relocation of the U-505 Submarine photo #2
Photo: Jon Miller, Hedrich Blessing
Conservation and Relocation of the U-505 Submarine photo #3
Photo: Mark Ballogg, Steinkamp/Ballogg Photography

Overview

The museum's beloved World War II artifact, a 700-ton German submarine, was moved indoors and below ground, and thanks to clever design, visitors now have the impression of visiting the vessel in a period-appropriate dry dock. Jurors said the "concept was great." Arched steel girders and exposed concrete walls suggest an industrial home for the sub—but the walls, farther apart at the top than at bottom, also subtly suggest the broader horizons that would surround a sub at the water's surface.