Stonehenge is one of the world's top tourist attractions. Our proposal will provide visitors with the high quality facilities they expect in a new environmentally sensitive visitor centre.
All design elements will be considered in terms of sustainability and access for all. The design's simplicity will allow the centre to be built with minimal disturbance to the landscape.
The architectural design, by Denton Corker Marshall is for a delicately undulating canopy which sits lightly in the landscape with a pair of self-contained 'pods' - one transparent and mainly of glass, the other solid and mainly of timber - sitting beneath.
The roof is perforated at the edges to allow patterns of sun and shade to soften the solidity of the structure and moves to echo the rolling form of the surrounding landscape. The exhibition areas, café, shop and toilets will be housed in the pods - providing opportunities for interpretation and education, and the centre will be linked to the Stones by a low-key transit system.
The facility will be constructed using local and sustainable building materials where possible. The new café will offer high quality meals, snacks and drinks, whilst a larger shop will provide space for a greater range of souvenirs and books. The improved facilities will greatly enhance a visit to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.
