RIBA reveal contending concepts for new visitor hub

Late last year, RIBA organised an open design competition for a new visitor centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, planned to be the first of its kind in the country dedicated to connecting people and nature to demonstrate positive benefits for visitors and wildlife alike. The brief described the Nature and Wellbeing Centre as a hub for engaging local people and communities in a volunteer−led programme using local skills, knowledge and talent to provide outdoor education, reveal stories behind conservation efforts and enable start-up business opportunities. 
 
Following the initial judging process, ArkleBoyce Architects, Ben Adams Architects, Bilska de Beaupuy and Studio McLeod with Ekkist were selected and invited to refine their design proposals for the unique location. Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve was converted from a gravel−pit by the Harrison family in the 50s and 60s, with trees hand-planted and lakes created by flooding the former gravel workings. The site is the first example of such a conversion of a gravel−pit in the country and is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Lynne Sullivan of RIBA, said: 'The Competition shortlisted schemes show an impressive breadth of imaginative thinking and also addresses the sensitive context of Kent Wildlife Trust site. The next stage will focus on looking at the designs and the practicalities associated with expansion and the experience for visitors.' 

The four shortlisted designs are now on anonymous public display at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3DH from 11 April until 29 April, open from 10am to 5pm daily. It is also possible to leave feedback and choose a winning design online by following the link here

Lucy Nordberg
TenderStream Research Specialist & Editor

This competition was first published by TenderStream on 17.11.2017. See the original brief here

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