Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough, Hampshire
Client: Farnborough International Ltd
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Masterplanning
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Architecture
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Town planning
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Landscape architecture
Farnborough has a long and distinguished association with the aviation industry, the aerodrome being regarded as the cradle of British aviation. The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has been held at the site since 1948, and is the oldest, and most widely recognised airshow in the world.
The FIA brand is iconic, synonymous with quality and success. However, investment and improvement of facilities was required in order to compete with other international airshows, contributing to regional and national growth. The 50 hectare FIA site is located in the south and eastern part of the airport, with temporary exhibition halls and chalets on a series of terraces, which have been remodelled over the years from the original hill.
Terence O’Rourke worked with Farnborough International to implement a long-term masterplan vision for the site, for the Airshow and a growing range of other events. Following the production of a masterplan, this commenced with the permanent Row A Chalets, permanent chalets for prime exhibitors, and the completion of the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The opening of this new phase of the FIA represents a £35M investment in new buildings to accommodate the world’s largest trade show which has since generated £100bn of business contracts and attracted 450,000 visitors.
