Command of the Oceans shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize
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Shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize, Command of the Oceans is a unique conservation and reuse project at Chatham Historic Dockyard by Baynes and Mitchell Architects. The complex project has included the preservation, display, and interpretation of th
Command of the Oceans shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize
Shortlisted for the 2017 RIBA Stirling Prize, Command of the Oceans is a unique conservation and reuse project at Chatham Historic Dockyard by Baynes and Mitchell Architects. The complex project has included the preservation, display, and interpretation of the Namur – a large 18th century naval warship – orientation to help visitors understand the Historic Dockyard’s wider role and context, and the creation of new galleries.At the heart of the Command of the Oceans, a new building has been constructed in the gap that exists between the two Scheduled Ancient Monuments. This building serves as an entrance and helps connect hospitality areas with gallery spaces, providing access to a new sunken gallery for viewing the ship beneath the floor. The adjacent buildings have been renovated and adapted to form gallery, catering, and retail spaces.A small palette of materials, mainly consisting of black metal, black limestone, board-marked concrete, and composite timber have been used throughout the project. These materials respond to the industrial language of the existing Dockyard buildings and landscape. Some of the more complex works on site included archaeological excavations, underpinning the existing historic structure, and the installation of a temporary floor suspended from the original structure to protect the historic timbers, noted Domus. Read more
