Galileum Solingen: Planetarium and Observatory
The Galileum Solingen competition called for a new planetarium and observatory to be created on the site of a 1930´s Gas Works facility, with a landmark Gas Storage Sphere still retained onsite. The client requested that entrants incorporate the sphere into the design; creating a public facility housing exhibition space, cafe, shop, and seminar space to compliment the planetarium and observatory
Berman Guedes Stretton took inspiration from Einstein´s theory of relativity diagram; a net distorted by a sphere, illustrating the concept of space and time being distorted by mass. The architectural interpretation was a steel and glass net roof distorting underneath the mass of the steel sphere. New structural elements echoed the distortion, as did an amphitheatre below, where visitors could listen to informal presentations whilst sitting beneath the sphere.
Galileum Solingen: Planetarium and Observatory
Two timber boxes inserted underneath the net roof contained the brief´s spatial requirements. An observation tower to the south provided access to the sphere whilst affording the observatory excellent views of the surrounding sky. Inside the sphere, display spaces were wrapped around the planetarium to create a dramatic exhibition sequence.
Integrated environmental strategies were both passive and active. By orientating the building on the north-south axis, the tower and sphere provided solar shading to the glass roof, whilst providing excellent north light. Photovoltaic cells embedded in the roof provide additional shading and onsite power generation. Excavated earth was retained onsite and sculpted around the building. Below ground Cooling tubes provide passive temperature control to the building.
Galileum Solingen: Planetarium and Observatory
The building, seated in the landscape, could be approached through a woodland walk from the south or via road from the north.
Client: Galileum Solingen, Solingen, Germany
Completion: (Competition Entry)
Contract Value: €4M (euros)
