Barbados Concorde Experience
Overview
The Barbados Concorde Experience is a destination attraction and tourism magnet, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the famous Concorde jet airliner. Guests can take over the controls and experience the rush of takeoff, and meet those who designed, built, flew, and maintained this record-breaking aircraft.
Details
- Client
- Barbados Tourism Investment Inc.
- Project
- The Concorde Experience, Grantley Adams International Airport
- Size
- 20,000 sq. ft.
- Scope
- Design-Build, Exhibit Design, Graphic Design, Interpretive Signage Design, Master Planning
- Location
- Christ Church, Barbados
- Year Completed
- 2007
- Budget
- $1,900,000
The
Goal
Barbados Tourism Investment Inc. asked R&P to develop a dynamic exhibit that would pay tribute to the evolution of supersonic flight, its history, and aviation innovations with the British Airways iconic Concorde 212 G-BOAE as the star attraction. R&P, in collaboration with Science North, was to develop a fulsome visitor experience which would become a new tourist destination for Barbados.
The
Design
Once a privilege reserved for the rich and famous, visitors are given the full experience of a Concorde flight; from the charm of the reconstructed waiting lounge to an introduction to the flight crew. Taking on the role of pilot, they can fly the plane with a series of simulator cockpit consoles. On board the aircraft, a tour guide and various media describe the excitement and celebratory atmosphere that once welcomed VIP passengers.
As a centerpiece of the hangar, the sound and light show “Engineered for Speed”, produced by Science North is projection mapped onto the fuselage of the aircraft. The show dramatizes the amazing feat of engineering that produced this sleek and beautiful aircraft. Sound effects simulating the famous sonic boom of takeoff lifts visitors out of their seats. Brightly colored banners hang throughout, taking their inspiration from both the vapor trails created by the supersonic aircraft blasting through the sky as well as the colorful personality of the tropical location.
The
Results
The Barbados Concorde Experience was a resounding success for over 10 years as a beloved tourist destination and sought-after events space.
“This is the best exhibit on the Concorde in the world. The R&P-lead design team has truly raised the bar in terms of how we interpret and present the science of the Concorde. The peel away effect was brilliant.”
– Captain Mike Bannister, the last pilot to fly Alpha Echo
The last pilot to fly Alpha Echo
Other
Project Specific Work
Using local partners was a project priority. As the Barbados team had limited exhibit experience, R&P was both guide and mentor throughout the design and fabrication process. This international collaboration resulted in a unique exhibition driven by Canadian experience, design sensibility, and the enthusiasm of local designers and craftsmen.
R&P’s contract also included the development of an identity program and marketing collateral to attract both tourists and local visitors. These were designed to complement the exhibit graphics using the same and look and feel, bright colors and sonic boom motifs.
