neil a. armstrong test facility

The new main gate and Visitor Center at the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility (formerly Plum Brook Station) serves as the 24/7/365 access control point for NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH. The gate had to meet all federal security requirements, but NASA also wanted it to be an identifying icon for the campus. With simple massing and appropriate material selection, the structure is a glowing lantern within the surrounding fields reflecting the pure dichotomy between earth and space. The new Visitor Center houses security offices and a visitor badging space. The design encompasses a new main gate canopy, vehicle inspection building, new parking lot, access drives, crash resistant fencing, and K-rated barriers.

Sustainability was the framework for the design decisions throughout the project. An emphasis was placed on sustainable strategies that provide the best results for the effort including energy efficiency, day lighting, and site water management. Targeted for LEED Silver, the building envelope and mechanical and electrical systems were designed to achieve Net-Zero Energy by further reducing energy consumption and the demand on renewable energy sources.