Virtual Tour - arcade

A key feature of the History Centre building is the arcade/pergola running along the front (south) side.

The central part of this area, the arcade, is fully glazed and houses our displays and exhibitions. It provides a light airy space for people to meet, relax and find out about the resources and activities of the Centre. This space can also be used for a variety of special events. Toilets and secure lockers for users of the Centre are situated in the arcade, behind the Welcome Desk.

Canopy
Either side of the arcade is a canopy/pergola, a sheltered open-air space for people waiting for the builidng to open, or meeting in front of the building. There are also be bike racks here, sheltered from the rain.

The arcade and pergola structure is made of laminated timber beams, covered with three-layer inflated ETFE cushions. (The Eden Project in Cornwall uses the same ETFE material, which is a plastic with high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide range of temperatures.) The arcade has glazed walls, while the pergola is open-sided.