Aircraft Museum in Duxford, England

Rising from a planted plinth, the shell roof seems to grow from the site. The plan of this self-supporting concrete structure is based on a semi-ellipse; the profiles, on segments of a circle. The roof is supported by a ring beam, the loads of which are transmitted via steel arms to the plinth. A glazed strip allows light to enter the hall at the level of the columns. The structure is cut off vertically at its apex, and the entire front is glazed, creating a visual link between the hall and the airfield, which is still in use. Removable glazing and pivoting posts to this face allow exhibits to be moved in and out of the museum. Via a tunnel at the tip of the ellipse, access is provided for visitors to a viewing gallery, from where two ramps lead down to the hall floor.