RAF Museum, Hendon
1 / Introduction
The brief called for a new exhibition hall to be built at the RAF Museum Hendon, in addition to a new shop, cafe and car park areas. The project also involved the refurbishment of existing buildings on site.
The additional gallery space is central to the museum’s vision to display the most important aircraft in the history of aviation. Their collection includes over 200 aircraft from all over the world, from the first gliders to the fighter planes of today. It also includes the legendary Spitfire and Lancaster bomber. There is also an interactive timeline that engages the visitor in a journey through the historical landmarks of aviation.
The new exhibition hall had to be large enough to enable the display of full-size aircraft, but consideration also had to be given to the environmental conditions to ensure better and longer conservation of these artefacts.
The general design approach has been one of identifying an elegant design solution that will serve all areas, without resorting to over-complicated systems. The design proposal seeks to balance the need for controlled environmental conditions, ease of maintenance and energy efficiency.
Key facts
- Roof comprises 13 arched steel trusses
- Steam humidifier reduces humidity
- Lighting interventions protect exhibits
Related Disciplines
The Project Details
Client: RAF Museum, Hendon
Architect: Feilden Clegg Bradley Studio
Buro Happold services: Structural engineering, building services engineering, fire engineering, lighting consultancy, ground and site infrastructure engineering, acoustics consultancy
