Rising 100 feet above the National World War II Museum campus, the U.S. Freedom Pavilion is a defining landmark within the museum’s 240,000 sq ft expansion. Wells collaborated with Voorsanger Architects to translate an ambitious, angular design into a buildable, high-performing enclosure — one that could support monumental aircraft displays while meeting the structural demands of a complex site.

Through early engagement and precision prefabrication, Wells helped realize the pavilion’s sloping facades and unconventional geometry. Repeating trapezoidal and parallelogram forms, tapered horizontal joints, and diagonally offset vertical joints required careful coordination and fabrication expertise. Wells’ approach ensured the facade maintained its dynamic, faceted appearance while delivering the strength needed for expansive, column-free interior spaces.

Wells also played a critical role in addressing the environmental and contextual challenges of the site. The pavilion’s nearly 100-foot-tall slanting walls respond directly to the adjacent highway off-ramp, balancing visual impact with long-term durability in New Orleans’ demanding climate. The result is a resilient structure that anchors the campus and stands as a powerful tribute to the strength and service of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II.