When Hurricane Katrina struck Biloxi in August 2005, a 30-ft tidal surge destroyed much of the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum and its collection. The museum set out to rebuild on its original site with a design that would be stronger, more resilient, and better protect its artifacts while serving the community for generations to come. The new complex includes expanded gallery and exhibit spaces, along with updated community facilities.

H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture led the design, working closely with the city and museum leadership. “We wanted to design a large mass that would protect the museum’s artifacts, but also allow for a design with much visual interest,” says Daria Pizzetta, AIA, principal at H3. The primary challenge was building a facility that could withstand hurricane-force winds. After evaluating numerous exterior wall materials, including concrete masonry units and panelized systems with structural posts, the team determined that a prefabricated concrete system provided the most economical and structurally appropriate solution. “We chose precast for its ability to sustain high-velocity impacts associated with hurricanes, but also for its durability and insulating qualities,” Pizzetta adds.