Final design for the British Museum's new security sheds submitted for approval

"The original concept, which looked more like an open-air, plant-filled pavilion, has been hit with a big dose of reality and replaced with a conventional "shed" at the same locations as the existing ones. However, rather than white plastic, the replacement security sheds will be clad in stone and steel, which will be less visible and less of an intrusion into the space."

"Aesthetically, they are much more appealing, but somehow underwhelming considering the substantial fuss made about the intention to get rid of the old sheds. Although it was simply swapping out old for new sheds, there was an air that something more fundamental was being plotted to improve the museum's arrivals area. The front of museum lawns will also be revamped into planted areas open to the public."

Designs replace the original open-air, plant-filled pavilion concept with conventional security sheds located at the same north and south entrances. New sheds will be clad in stone and steel rather than white plastic to reduce visibility and intrusion into the space and to better suit British weather. Both north and south entrances will receive the new sheds subject to planning approval. Front museum lawns will be revamped into planted areas open to the public. The design team expects visitor flow to reach a maximum of 3,500 per hour, equating to 6.5 million people a year, reducing queuing. Main gates will be opened earlier so visitors can enter the forecourt, mingle, and avoid narrow pavement queues before security bag checks and donation requests. Construction is planned to start next year pending planning approval.

Read at ianVisits