Product:
200AF
Architect:
NEX Architecture
Celebrating the RAF Centenary in 2018 , this project creates new exhibition and visitor facilities, alongside landscaping that enhances visitor understanding of the museum’s heritage , and the site’s connections to surrounding communities.
A circular ‘taxiway’ connects all exhibition spaces and facilities, encouraging visitors to explore independently and in their own time. A strong emphasis is placed on accessibility , with flat , clearly defined pathways making navigation simple and intuitive. While the aluminium clad exterior retains its otherwise simple appearance , a dramatic new 40-metre-long entrance with a deep cantilevered roof canopy to shelter crowds both act as an absorbing welcome and orientation point for all users, hinting at the drama within.
The refurbished hangar contains impressive new display and event spaces – and includes a huge Sunderland flying boat that was too fragile to move during construction. The space was reconfigured around this, while focusing on improving visitors’ understanding and orientation within the hangar and across the site. Contrasol designed and installed their 200mm vertical fits to in order to create a striking architectural feature throughout the exhibition space. Our relationship with the main contractor dates back over 10 years and with a strong understanding of our client’s ambitions and values, we were delighted to be appointed from an early stage to act as the professional specialists through design, manufacture and on-site operations, keeping quality to a high standard, ensuring our technologies on-site are economically viable whist also minimising health and safety risks.
