The Natural History Museum in London has won planning permission for a major upgrade of its entrance areas, designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects and landscape firm Kim Wilkie (+ slideshow).
The plan by the two London-based firms will add a series of new features to the museum's main approach spaces, including a subterranean cloister, a wildlife garden and a public plaza.
These additions will transform the way people enter the museum, creating generous new gathering spaces, as well as an improved experience for disabled visitors.
Niall McLaughlin Architects and landscape firm Kim Wilkie will add a series of new features to the museum's approach spaces, including a subterranean cloister
"The grounds project will greatly improve access to the museum, reducing queues while turning the currently fragmented outdoor space into a series of open-air galleries that put the living world centre stage for any visit," said Niall McLaughlin Architects. Working in partnership with Kim Wilkie, Niall McLaughlin's firm won a competition for the project back in April 2014.
They received planning permission in September 2016, paving the way for construction to begin. The aim is for all of the works to be completed by 2020, as part of the museum's wider development strategy.
Above the cloister, a new public plaza will be located at the same level as the streetscape
There will be three new zones in total. The first, called The Square, will address the area where most vis...