The exhibition – Historic Duxford – which was due to open this Easter, is the result of a collaboration between MET Studio and the interpretation and collections team from IWM Duxford. In the old Watch Office, opposite the Control Tower, it aims to bring to life Duxford’s history as a fully operational military airfield (from 1918 to 1961) in displays suitable for families.
MET Studio MD Lloyd Hicks said: ‘The project encompasses a trail around some of the historic buildings that visitors may not usually connect with. Personal stories and testimonies will give visitors a direct insight into the lives of the people who lived and worked on this busy RAF base.’
The exhibition will combine sound, film, interactive models and original objects.
The greatest challenge of the project, said Hicks, was how to fit and integrate such a huge amount of information into the Watch Office space, which is only 90 sq m in total. The answer was ‘a crazy amount of design for such a small space!’ according to Hicks.
‘Accessibility and inclusivity were key to the design of this exhibition’, Hicks said of the overall design approach. ‘We worked very closely with IWM Duxford and an access panel in order to design for the visually impaired and hearing-impaired, as well as for visitors with physical disabilities.
