Gensler Architecture Firm Shows Off F-117 Inspired Design

The Flight Test Museum Foundation has been hard at work making headway on the expansion of their premises releasing renders of their upcoming building plans.

Their partner, the Gensler architectural firm, has designed a building that looks to channel the spirit of test flight - bold, purposeful and motive. 

Earlier this year phase 1 construction began in earnest on the complex, breaking ground on what will eventually include space for exhibits, an educational STEM center, an aviation research library, a gift shop, and meeting rooms for industry use. The reimagination of the museum comes at a fortuitous time, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the sound barrier's breakage amid a burgeoning space race. "The area has seen milestones like testing America's first jet, the breaking of the sound barrier, rocket plane flights to the edge of space and the first glide flights of the space shuttle. The Antelope Valley remains a hub of developmental flight testing to this day for all the same reasons," said the museum in a release to followers. 

Their goal is to showcase much of the lesser-known history of the behind-the-scenes grit and effort that went into building aviation into the safe, reliable transportation system of today. "Much of this historic work is not known to the world outside the AV and much of what is known is surrounded by myth and legend because of the secret nature of the work. The new Flight Test Museum and Stem Center," the museum says in particular, "will make that history accessible by literally bringing it outside the Edwards Gate." 

The Palmdale, California museum will combine "the rectangular shape of an airplane hangar with the dynamic geometry of a Nighthawk aircraft," with angular, striking design throughout its 60,000-square-foot hangar. Eventually, another 15,000 square feet of multi use space for a lounge, gallery, classroom, and utility space will be added. The Pancho Barnes Happy Bottom Riding Club, the location's bar, is named after the female founder of the stunt pilot's union. 

FMI: www.flighttestmuseum.org