-Science Center of Astronomy/Observational Deck/Observatory
2. Why are you researching this building typology?
-The Earth is but a speck of sand in a much grander picture, which we call the universe. To be able to observe its ever changing typography is an amazing scientific feat. Do you ever wonder what’s in the center of our galaxy? What other planets can be habitable? Or even why black holes exist? All of these have been answered by scientific observation through many years and there are still plenty of answers to be discovered. I want the center to be able to teach others that Earth is not the only thing in this galaxy. There are trillions upon trillions of stars that are being born and destroyed every second and I want them to know why. I want them to be able to gaze into the night sky and have a deeper understanding of what they’re looking at. That is why an astronomy center would be a great addition to New York's attractions.
3. What is the specialty of this building type you would like to research i.e. museum for dance, school for digital media...
-A learning center for astronomy.
4. What are the examples that you will be researching... list the examples, location and architect (10 examples)
Connecticut Science Center, US
Architect: César Pelli & Associates
Liberty Science Center, NJ
Architect: W.Lerman
Kitt Peak National Observatory, US
Architect: Nicholas U. Mayall
NY Hall of Science, US
Architect: Alan Friedman
Observation Tower on the River Mur, Auestria
Architect: terrain:loenhart&mayr
Steward Observatory, US
Architect: Andrew Ellicott Douglass
Griffith Observatory, California
Architect: John C. Austin and Frederick M. Ashley
Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Arizona
Architect: Comoyer-Hedrick Inc.
Detroit Science Center, Michigan
Architect: Neumann/Smith
Yerkes Observatory, Wisconsin
Architect: Henry Ives Cobb
5. What are your goals for working with this building type?
-To teach the community about the universe.
6. What are the program elements that you see included at this point in your building?
-Observation Deck
-Observatory with telescope
-Dedicated sections of the building pertaining to different elements of the universe.
i.e. Black Hole Center
Fusion & Gravity
Solar Systems
Big Bang Theory
Composition of planets
Asteroids, Meteors, & Comets
Dark Matter
Supernovas
Types of stars
Life cycle of a star
-Educational Tours
-Kid's playroom (Astronomy Themed)
-Sextant Sculpture (Outside)
-Theater for documentaries
-Interactive Models
-Bathrooms
-Food Court
-Gift Shop
What a great idea. There is also a science center in Portland Oregon,and the Queens Science Center
ReplyDeleteI will definitely take a trip to the one in queens to analyze it's circulation and spacial planning.
DeleteThis is a new typology that has not been done in this class. I think you can look at many other public buildings to get organization and elements that may be in your building. Many museums have similar spaces that may be used to look for circulation and organization.
ReplyDeleteThe observatories that I've studied so far are very similar in space and structure, but the centers are unique in their own ways. I will try to keep that observatory feel, but still making the center dynamic in geometry. Hopefully, they'll synergize to create something special.
DeleteAn observatory is very interesting idea, I would be a little concern with the amount of light pollution in the area but I am intrigued to see where this goes.
ReplyDeleteYou can take a look at the Liberty Science Center as well. Its in NJ just across the river.
lsc.org
I've found that some observatories are actually located close to light sources, but they seem to be doing fine. I'll conduct further analysis on it. I'll also try and take a trip there as well.
DeleteIt may be too early to think about it, but some type of tie-in to programs or exhibits at Hayden Planetarium might be an idea.
ReplyDeleteThe Planetarium there is quite nice. I've been there a few times and have been to the theater that plays Journey to the Stars. All the exhibits to me seem rushed in their data. I want my Observatory/Science Center to engage the guests mentally, as well as physically. If they're in the Black Hole exhibit, I want them to feel as they're getting pulled toward the center, while learning on the way.
DeleteYou might also want to look at the California Science Center in Exposition Park (Los Angeles) for an interesting organizational model. Also consider the inclusion of a planetarium and/or IMAX theatre.
ReplyDeleteThe geometry of that center is dynamic, which is very nice. I will definitely include a theater, but it won't be the main feature. It will supplement the interactive exhibits.
DeleteI like the approach and the chosen site, it contains a lot of challenges, by environment or the building type itself, i think you need to start thinking about how to deal carefully with the surroundings for this building type so it can change people behavior around it and combine it with the wide ocean behavior and beauty.
ReplyDeleteI will be adding an observation deck that follows the path of the sun that will branch off from an existing road, so it'll attract not only people intentionally going to the center, but passerbys.
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