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Planning consent has been granted for The Wing, the new £2.7m learning and visitor centre that will be located at the existing National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone.
The building has been designed by local architectural practice Godden Allen Lawn and takes its inspiration from the unique shape and upswept angle of the wings of the Spitfire. Consulting engineer Crofton is working in conjunction with designer Nick Lawn to undertake the structural, mechanical and electrical design aspects.
Nick Lawn of Godden Allen Lawn said: “This has been a unique opportunity and we are privileged to be involved with this project. The Wing will enhance the existing memorial and will enable the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust to educate future generations about the heroism and sacrifice made by ‘The Few’.”
Mark Taylor of Crofton said: “This is a very exciting project. As well as including a number of novel details in the build, we have made use of original engineering drawings of the aircraft to inform the structural geometry of the building, which will be exposed internally. In addition, photovoltaic cells will be incorporated into the building’s roof membrane enabling sustainability targets to be met without spoiling the iconic clean lines of the spitfire wing roof.”
The Wing will be an immersive experience, utilising special effects such as video walls, and will attempt to recreate what it was like for the Few in the Summer and Autumn of 1940. It will also include a classroom to educate youngsters about the Battle of Britain.
In addition, a first floor “cockpit” area with an open balcony will provide views across the English Channel to France. One planned special effect involves a screen that will use the latest technology to superimpose wartime film of incoming aircraft over the contemporary view.
Subject to fund raising, work is set to start on site in late 2012 and the building is scheduled for completion in 2014. Other consultants on the project include Creative Good and Woodley Coles.
