KF Centre for Excellence
Location
Kelowna, CanadaClient
KF AerospaceSurface area
9000 sq ft / 800 sq mCompletion date
2022![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/20220728_kf-centre-for-excellence-1390-1-1691748693.jpg)
The KF Centre for Excellence offers an exciting journey into the world of aviation to visitors of all ages — from plane spotters to would-be engineers to the simply curious!
From unique vantage points and perspectives — up high, down low, inside and out — the exhibition tells the story of aviation in the Okanagan Valley.
Partners
EOS Lightmedia, 3DS, NGX
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/kf-centre-for-excellence-kelowna-shaun-talbot-photo-1691749279.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1691749350.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/kf-2630_ml-1-1691749338.jpg)
Founded by pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer Barry Lapointe in 1970, KF Aerospace (KFA) is a successful Canadian aerospace company located in Kelowna, British Columbia. To celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary and promote aviation to a wide audience, the founder decided to create the KF Centre for Excellence.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/1968-morris-aviation-vernon-1691749226.jpg)
Barry Lapointe with his aircraft in 1968.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1691749240.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1691750081.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-exhibition-intro-1697416029.png)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-engine-aviation-airplane-exhibition-design-1697416387.png)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-digital-wall-1697416323.png)
The exhibition invites visitors to embark on an experience from ground to sky as they explore the story of aviation in the Okanagan Valley. Each exhibit zone features a group of related topics, ranging from the anatomy of an aircraft to aerial firefighting to airport systems. A connection is made between the growth of local aviation and the growth of the region.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/20220728_kf-centre-for-excellence-1564-ml-1920-1691749524.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1697416751.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-for-excellence-aviation-airplane-exhibition-design-1697416676.png)
Although the first plane was invented over a century ago, there is still something incredible about an aircraft taking off and landing! Through a series of playful interactives, visitors learn about the science of flying as they explore the principles of aerodynamics and mechanics of a plane engine.
We opted for a streamlined, airy creative approach for the design, inspired by vintage aviation posters, planes, airports, and open skies.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/20220728_kf-centre-for-excellence-1440-1920-1691749705.jpg)
We were able to talk about science and the industry, and also tell personal stories that show how aviation touches all of our lives
Erika Kiessner
Creative Director
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/20220728_kf-centre-for-excellence-1541-ml-1-copie-1691749621.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1691749628.jpg)
Focused on learning, this educational experience aims to share Barry Lapointe’s passion and dreams with a wide audience — from plane spotters to younger visitors who may have their sights set on a career in the aviation industry.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/_blanc_1920-1697417536.jpg)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-for-excellence-kelowna-aviation-career-canada-1697416451.png)
We partnered with EOS Lightmedia, 3DS, and NGX — all based in British Columbia — to deliver an exhibition with strong ties to the region. The KF Aerospace team were very involved in the construction process, giving us access to their warehouse, and lending a hand with the fabrication and installation. We also collaborated with Kelowna International Airport, right beside the Centre, to design an interactive display about airport systems.
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-digital-map-airport-1697416533.png)
![](/image/1/$w/0/uploads/projects/images/gsm-project-kf-centre-airport-interactive-map-1697416509.png)
Summary
KF Aerospace mandated GSM Project to design a visitor experience for its new KF Centre for Excellence, showcasing the aerospace industry and rich history of aviation in the Okanagan Valley. The goal was to reach and inspire a wide audience of all ages.