KENGO KUMA ARCHITECTURE TO DESIGN GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM MEMORIAL


By bblouin
Kengo Kuma architecture designing new war on terror museum.

It’s undeniable that the 20 years of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) continue to have a major impact on the lives of Americans and many around the world. A push from the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation led to the creation of a national memorial dedicated to those who died in the conflict. Now, a lead designer has been chosen. Kengo Kuma is a renowned designer, known for his unique approach to architecture. Get to know his firm and more about this important addition to the National Mall.

Who Is Kengo Kuma?

Kengo Kuma is a highly-rated Japanese architect. He is known for many successful projects, finding a connection between Tokyo’s past and the future of our world. Known for natural materials, Kengo Kuma architecture is praised for its ability to highlight nature, and community. His work blends both together seamlessly. The Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, The Exchange, a mixed-use building in Australia, and the Dallas Rolex Tower are some of the many projects Kengo Kuma and Associates have worked on over the years. However, it’s his project for Veterans that is capturing the attention of the military world. Kengo Kuma and his team will now be designing the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial.

Constructing the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial

This is a personal build for Kengo Kuma & Associates. The attack on September 11th would claim one of Kuma’s close friends. Ever since 9/11, our world has changed. But for people in the military community who have lost family and friends in the attack, it’s even more impactful. Though figures vary, there are at least 7,000+ American service members who have died since the beginning of the war. This sacrifice and the injuries to more than 50,000 troops are exactly the reason for the creation of the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial. Though it has faced plenty of issues to get to where it is today, its construction is underway. Kengo Kuma & Associates is leading the way, with a team featuring more than 400 people around the globe. This has been an ongoing project since 2025 for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. This has included getting Congress to waive the 10-year statutory waiting period that follows conflicts before a memorial can be created. Following the signing of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act by President Donald Trump in 2017, the group still needed an area on the National Mall, which also took action from Congress to become true. Two years of fighting for the memorial would finally lead to success in 2021. This was when President Joe Biden signed off on the chosen location. Now, it’s up to Kengo Kuma and his team; however, many others are going to lend a hand in bringing his architecture to life. For example, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation’s Design Advisory Council is a part of the project—a group consisting of Veterans and Gold Star family members. In addition to this, the project is being made after surveying over 20,000 Veterans for their input on the memorial.

Where is Kengo Kuma Architecture’s Monument Going?

You’ll find the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, which is also in the process of being created. The address will be found in between 23rd St. NW, Constitution ve. NW and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, near where the current Henry Bacon Ball Field is located. However, the memorial can’t use federal funds and is still in the design phase. Kengo Kuma’s architecture has seven years to design and find funding to make the monument come to life. Suggested reads:


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