Architecture based on astronomy principles for new planetarium in Shanghai
The ancient Chinese civilization left some of the earliest records of humans studying the stars and skies. To exhibit this long history, a new planetarium and astronomy museum is planned for construction in Shanghai, one of Chinaâs most bustling cultural hubs.
According to Architizer, Thomas Wong, partner and design principal at Ennead Architects, took inspiration from astronomy principles in designing the 38,000-sm planetarium.
Consisting of three âcelestial bodies,â the entire building is made out of the oculus, the inverted dome, and the sphere. According to the firm, âEach major element acts as an astronomical instrument, tracking the sun, moon and starsâreminding visitors that our conception of time originates in distant astronomical objects and enriching the museum exhibit experience with actual encounters of celestial movement.â
Reflecting pools will be strewn throughout the building, which Architizer says will create an external environment that âbrings to mind the serene settings created by Japanese modernists such as Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando.â
Catch the full report at Architizer.