Farnborough: Terence O’Rourke wins with International Exhibition and Conference Centre

Bournemouth-based planning and design consultancy Terence O’Rourke’s work on the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre at the TAG airport picked up the award for “Best Use of IT in a Construction Project 2016” at the recent Construction Computing Awards in London. In addition, the Vectorworks UK’s Building Information Modelling (BIM) software used by the Terence O’Rourke designers, was awarded the coveted Editor’s Choice Award.

Designed and planned by Terence O’Rourke, Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre will be the size of approximately three football pitches. There will be a 12,500 sq m dividable exhibition hall, 20,000 sq m of accommodation space, 2,500 conference seats and nine multi-purpose function rooms.

The new building will cater for a wide range of exhibitions, conferences, meetings and corporate events. Funded by Barclays, the Hampshire County Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Enterprise M3 LEP, the project is part of Farnborough International's bid to improve its facilities.

The huge structure, scheduled to open in early 2018, will position Farnborough as an ideal venue to compete with other international events, ensuring that it will continue to be a champion of the UK aerospace industry.

Terence O’Rourke’s detailed architectural design, with brise soleil mimicking the passage of airflow over a wing and took, its inspiration from Farnborough's long association with aircraft design, testing and development, and it fits well with the existing airport buildings and the Aviator Hotel.

Terry Williams, director at Terence O’Rourke, said: “The design of the new building reflects Farnborough’s aviation heritage and has a strong aerospace aesthetic. Sustainable building methods will be used with lightweight, modular construction techniques.”

Michael Watton, Farnborough’s venue director, added: “We have worked closely with the expert team at Terence O’Rourke and we have been impressed with their dedication and professional approach. Their new structure will take Farnborough into the future, attract bigger events and major exhibitions and give a well-deserved boost to the local economy.”