International Practice of Architectural and Planning Solutions for Military Facilities

Abstract

The article examines international practices in the field of architectural and planning solutions for military facilities and highlights how their spatial organization influences operational efficiency, security, technological sustainability, and environmental compatibility. Modern military infrastructure is no longer limited to defensive structures only; it integrates operational, residential, logistical, and communication functions into a single adaptable system. The study analyzes contemporary examples from the military infrastructure of the United States, Israel, Japan, and NATO member states, emphasizing modularity, functional flexibility, energy efficiency, and security zoning principles.

In the United States, military infrastructure planning is based on the principle of mission-oriented design, which aligns architectural and spatial solutions with specific operational tasks. For example, the renovated Pentagon complex in Washington incorporates underground logistical corridors, sensor networks, and energy-efficient buildings, which enhance operational effectiveness and ensure rapid adaptability. Examples from NATO and European military bases (e.g., Ramstein Air Base in Germany) illustrate the trend of creating multifunctional spaces that support joint operations, partial integration with civilian infrastructure, and rapid response in crisis situations.

Israeli military facilities are characterized by compactness, high-technology security systems, and the use of advanced energy units. For instance, the IDF training base in the Negev Desert employs solar panels that supply a significant portion of the base’s energy. The Israeli model underscores the unity of functional efficiency, sustainability, and high security. In Japan, due to high seismic activity, military buildings are constructed using modular, earthquake-resistant structures, which ensure safety, human comfort, and hybrid use for both military and civilian purposes.

International practice reveals several key principles: the functional purpose of a facility determines its architectural form; modularity and flexibility ensure rapid adaptation; energy efficiency and environmental approaches reduce resource consumption; and civil-military spatial integration increases the flexibility of the base and improves the human environment.

The study concludes that modern military infrastructure is becoming hybrid, sustainable, and energy efficient. International experience provides opportunities for Georgia to enhance operational readiness and develop sustainable and adaptable systems in its military infrastructure.