The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate serves not only as a memorial to Senator Ted Kennedy, but also as a learning center for the public. The inner 46 foot high “Cube” encloses a replica of the United States Senate Chamber, whose ornate ceiling is hung from a series of cantilevered steel roof trusses. A series of steel hangers extend down from the edge of the roof trusses creating an observation gallery overlooking the chamber. Separating the Cube from the surrounding low-rise space is a thin skylight which wraps around the perimeter of the Cube. Coupling the skylight with an angled ceiling allows just enough natural light into the space to avoid obscuring numerous digital displays. The entrance of the Institute boasts a 4600 square-foot column-free space supported by a series of steel plate girders with a clear span of 54 feet and a 17 foot long tapered cantilever which diminishes to 6 inches at the perimeter skylight.