Radical change, veering from the traditional, seems to always be steeped in controversy. This Colorado Springs architectural marvel is surprisingly the Air Force Academy's Cadet Chapel. The spired modernistic building shocked many critics in the late 1950s.
With the help of President Eisenhower, the Air Force Academy Act was signed into law in April, 1954. The architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill created a twenty-first century look for the academy. Taking an about face from traditional, the design called for aluminum, glass and concrete for a new appearance. The crisp, straight edges mimic the Air Force's bread and butter, aircraft and missiles.
As with any radical change, the controversy died. The design became fully appreciated and the chapel has become one of Colorado's main tourist destinations.