Aichi Museum of Flight

The area around Nagoya Airport for business aviation includes the production site for the MRJ, Japan’s first domestically-manufactured jet. Besides being the scene of aircraft development and production, the area is being developed to make it a zone for school education, personnel training, and industrial tourism, themed on aircraft. As the core facility of that area, Aichi Museum of Flight is linked with the other nearby facilities, and was planned to stimulate the local area. Nagoya Airport was the first place where the MRJ and YS-11 ever flew, so the design for this exhibition space uses a large-span mega-frame with broad doors facing the airport apron. This arrangement allows planes to be moved directly from the apron to the interior for display. The exterior is kept simple, and reminiscent of a hangar, to blend in with the surroundings. The design of the broad eaves on the entrance side creates attractive scenery, with the feeling of aircraft soaring upwards, and also provides a smooth approach route for visitors. Adjoining commercial facilities are linked through covered walkways, and the airport Messe Plaza was added. This plan makes it easier for people to move around and meet each other.