Becoming a citizen of the United States requires study, effort, patience—and a lot of paperwork. But when the interviews are completed and the forms filled out, individuals raise their hands and swear allegiance to their new country. Chicago-based 4240 Architecture wanted to provide a proper setting for that transformative experience, so they designed a two-story, glass-enclosed Ceremony Room for the new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) building in Irving, Texas. Positioned along a busy highway, the light-filled room will not only be an uplifting space but also gleam “like a beacon,” says 4240 design director Robert Benson: “Think of it as Lady Liberty’s torch.”
Chicago-based 4240 Architecture designed the new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) building in Irving, Texas (top). New immigrants swear allegiance to the U.S. in a two-story, glass-enclosed Ceremony Room (middle). Screen-printed words spelling “I will support and defend the Constitution” wrap around the Ceremony Room; they, in turn, are formed out of smaller words that reproduce the text of the Constitution (right).
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.