The designs to replace the British Museum’s ugly security sheds have been submitted for approval and, unsurprisingly, are very different from the initial concept.
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.
Original concept (c) Studio Weave
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. The new sheds will also be more suitable for their function than the open air pavilion in the concepts, not to forget being suitable for the British weather.
Subject to planning approval, both the north and south entrances will get new security sheds.
Edge view of the new security sheds on a day with very few visitors (c) Studio Weave
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.
According to the planning application, the design team believe the “visitor flow will drastically reduce queuing at both entrances. Approximately 3,500/hr at the maximum flow, equating to 6.5 million people a year — the current record for visitors.”
Another major change will be to remove the long queues outside the main museum gates by opening them earlier in the morning, so people can enter the forecourt and get off the narrow pavement. Inside the forecourt, people can mingle around a bit before joining the queues to get through the security bag check – and to be asked to make a donation of course.
Subject to planning approval, construction should start next year.