The Pritzker Military Museum and Library has selected Oyler Wu Collaborative from Los Angeles to design the Cold War Veterans Memorial in Wisconsin. This memorial honors the members of the US Armed Forces who served during the Cold War era. The winning design, titled Orbits, was chosen from an international competition and embodies dedication, optimism, and hope—the enduring spirit of veterans. The structure rises from the ground as a powerful architectural tribute.
In April 2021, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library in Chicago launched an international design competition for the Cold War Veterans Memorial, as part of the Pritzker Archive and Memorial Park Center project. The competition was structured in two phases: the first invited public submissions of design concepts, while the second allowed finalists to further develop their proposals into complete design plans.
The competition’s vision was to create a lasting monument commemorating the sacrifices and contributions of American soldiers and civilians during the Cold War (1945-1991). Aligned with the mission of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, the memorial seeks to deepen public understanding of military history and highlight its influence on the modern world.
The design challenge was to create a conceptual memorial that reflects the competition’s mission, embraces its guiding vision, and meets the goals set by the Cold War Veterans Memorial Steering Committee. Founders Dwayne Oyler and Jenny Wu of Oyler Wu Collaborative explained that their winning concept draws inspiration from Cold War-era artifacts and imagery, crafting an immersive experience with circular “tracks” that weave through the landscape to evoke memory and reflection.
“The final decision was challenging, but we believe the ‘Track’ design will serve as a meaningful place honoring everyone who contributed during the Cold War. This monument is especially significant because many who sacrificed during this era have not received adequate recognition. Our goal is to express our deep gratitude to these individuals.” – Col. Jennifer Pritzker, Founder of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library.
The jury also praised the inviting, exploratory landscape of the ‘Track’ project. It not only honors the site itself but also offers visitors multiple paths and experiences to engage with the memorial.
In late 2020, Oyler Wu Collaborative also won the expansion competition for the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts in Taiwan, partnering with local firm Lai Renshuo Architects. Other finalists included Asif Khan and Zhao Jianming Architectural Firm, Fujimoto Shosuke Architectural Design Firm with WSAA Design, and Liao Zhihuan Architectural Firm. The winning proposal envisions reshaping the museum’s facade to harmonize the building with its ever-changing environment.
Project drawings
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