Safdie Architects have unveiled plans for South Carolina’s National Medal of Honor Museum – a five-point design presenting the history of the US’s most decorated and revered soldiers.

The new museum and education centre coming to the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, has been budgeted at US$98m (€87.8m, £63.9m) and is intended to recognise and remember the recipients of the country’s highest military honour, also teaching visitors the price paid for their freedom.

Located on a waterfront spot near the iconic Ravenel Bridge and moored World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the 107,000sq ft (10,000sq m) concrete and glass development is made up of three buildings. A grass-topped pavilion houses the museum’s entrance and a 240-seat auditorium, while exhibit space for ten galleries showcases the evolution of the Medal of Honor. A private chapel for private contemplation is also included in the plans. The museum’s main building has been designed to resemble the very medal that it honours.

Safdie is collaborating with museum design specialists Gallagher & Associates on the interior layout, which will include the aforementioned galleries, a ceremonial hall for special events, classrooms and a café.

“Visitors to the new museum will experience stories of incredible heroism through exhibits and programs that will engage and inspire,” said Patrick Gallagher, president and founder of Gallagher & Associates.

“Through the stories of Medal recipients, visitors will feel a tangible connection with heroes of the past and present and, in doing so, leave inspired to make a difference in their own communities and around the world.”

"The building and its contents must capture what makes this country great – the spirit of courage, sacrifice, and dedication to community," said Moshe Safdie, founder of Safdie Architects.

"This is a noble project set on a magnificent site. I hope the new museum will inspire visitors and future generations to go 'above and beyond the call of duty' in their lives."