WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM WELCOME BUILDING

CLIENT: FORESTRY COMMISSION

The Forestry Commission's flagship site at the National Arboretum, Westonbirt, has an exciting masterplan 'The Westonbirt Project'; a new Welcome Building was part of Phase One. Asked to deliver 4 portable pods, a ceiling sculpture and a '3D map' outside we immediately moved the content of one 'pod' onto the room's back wall, creating an impressive and clearly information-rich backdrop to the room with the aim of drawing in visitors arriving at the ticket window (at the room's opposite end).  Thousands of photographs, quotes and films are embedded in an astonishingly rich resource which connects habitual visitors with what else the Arboretum has to offer.

We developed the remaining three pods into a suite of original and beautiful pieces of exhibit furniture. Interactives were developed from first principles to deliver a hierarchy of messages covering Westonbirt's global collecting and conservation links, scientific and stewardship commitments and conveying and encouraging an emotional engagement with trees.  As requested, we also ensured most were easily updateable by Westonbirt staff. Our sinuous and stunning sculpture swoops overhead to complete the interior; as they move out into the Arboretum, visitors encounter a gorgeous and sculptural map - part orientation device, part meeting and jumping-off point.

We're extremely proud of the build quality and detailing, and look forward to extending the approach having been recommissioned to deliver the interpretation for a new high level walkway, launching this coming Winter.