The Sky Vault experience
As part of the site selection process, we are discussing ways in which Sky Vault might become a visitor experience. Below is our vision of what this experience might be. The final design of the landmark and the way that people experience it will be appropriate to its particular location.
The Sky Vault spans a major highway through the East Midlands, giving a shared experience to those who live and work in the region, visitors, and those just passing through
Passing through the Sky Vault allows all these people to engage with the structure and be enclosed and welcomed. It is an engaging experience. The structure is seen first as an optimistic, bold, unified structure; it then becomes clear that many individual components are playing an important role in the larger whole.
The Sky Vault can be visited, with access from secondary roads. The Sky Vault is a landmark, but it is also an experience to be enjoyed by all.
In the 'pavilion of the past and present' visitors can find information about the regions' people, places, history, businesses and attractions.
Certain areas of the site and exhibition are accessible using a Sky Vault key. Sponsored keys, allowing repeat visits, are available for East Midlands residents, whilst visitor keys can be purchased as well.
Leaving the 'pavilion of the past' behind, visitors approach the Sky Vault. Part of the structure forms a footbridge, bringing vistiors into contact with the structure and providing access to the 'pavilion of the future'.
The bridge gives visitors a unique view of the Sky Vault, allowing the structure to form a link between the regions' past and its future, represented by...
...the Pavilion of the Future. This contains an exhibition based on future plans and aspirations for the region, its people and places, covering regeneration initiatives, ideas and case study examples at a local and regional level, as well as the aspirations of the East Midlanders themselves.
Key holders also have access to the 'vaults', an area where East Midlanders can build up personal, family and group archives containing images and sounds relating to their recollection of past events and particular people and places, and their aspirations for the future...
... this information will be used to build up a picture of the East Midlands past and present, to give a profile of the people who live and work there...
...and to both create links between people and communities, and make more understandable the links that already exist. An evolving network of information will link the individuals and communities of the East Midlands together through their shared experiences and aspirations for the future.
Experiencing the Sky Vault leaves East Midlanders and visitors with a greater understanding of the special character of the region. Links will be formed across the region in a way that emphasises the existing strength in diversity and evolves both individual and regional identity. This will benefit those already connected with the region, and encourage others to return to visit, live and invest.