Battle Abbey Visitors Centre

Forming initial stage Competition proposals for the historic battlefield site at Battle, Sussex, the design sought to position a new visitors centre against the corner section of the Abbey Walls using the walls themselves as a striking feature to the gallery interior (see image 2 below). In this manner, the casual visitor is led by the structure itself towards and along the upper level of the natural terracing. In response to the topography, the primary space is located on a split level with the structure displaying a bold, sweeping monopitch form leading down towards the battlefield level.

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This space needed to be a large, open, multi-functional space which could be used for events/exhibitions/celebrations. The design employed sought to create a new, contemporary structure with hints back to the past and the location - one primary aspiration being to design a structure that (whilst complete as an air tight and weather proof interior) would feel as though it has evolved through many years - hence the solidity of the masonry structure and the part open/part closed feel to the roof structure.