PROJECT
Dover Castle Spur Benches
CLIENT
ENGLISH HERITAGE
LOCATION
DOVER, ENGLAND
DATE
2024
As part of the Northern Defences masterplan, the spur was to be opened to visitors for the first time. The spectacular view from the spur back towards the castle is the denouement of the Northern Defences offer. We were commissioned to design and build seating, as well as plan the visitor route. The spur is of significant visual and historical importance, so the seating had to blend sensitively into the landscape. We created a curved oak seat set to the radius of the path that allowed visitors to marvel at the view. On either flank we carefully sited benches to allow visitors to dwell and appreciate important views of the east and west curtain walls. We worked closely with the curatorial team and conservation architects Avanti to ensure the benches and route preserved the character of the spur and enhanced the visitor experience.