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 China’s 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 “celestial bodies,” the entire building is made out of the oculus, the inverted dome, and the sphere. According to the firm, “Each major element acts as an astronomical instrument, tracking the sun, moon and stars—reminding visitors that our conception of time originates in distant astronomical objects and enriching the museum exhibit experience with actual encounters of celestial movement.”
Reflecting pools will be strewn throughout the building, which Architizer says will create an external environment that “brings to mind the serene settings created by Japanese modernists such as Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando.”
Catch the full report at Architizer.
Related Stories
Museums | Jun 18, 2019
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust announces new Visitor and Education Center
Architect John Ronan will design the building.
Museums | May 15, 2019
The new Statue of Liberty Museum in New York seeks to educate and inspire
This LEED-Gold building features three exhibit spaces that give visitors more access to and engagement with the statue’s history.
Museums | May 10, 2019
Lincoln Park Zoo announces renovation plans and design for the Kovler Lion House
Construction will begin in fall 2019.
Museums | Feb 27, 2019
Seoul’s Robot Science Museum will be built by robots
Robots will be in charge of jobs such as molding, welding, and polishing metal plates for the museum’s façade, and 3D printing concrete.
Museums | Feb 22, 2019
The National Museum of Qatar takes its design from the desert rose
Jean Nouvel designed the museum.
Museums | Jan 16, 2019
Disused British airfield to become an automotive museum
Foster + Partners is designing the facility.
Museums | Sep 10, 2018
Helsinki’s underground art museum opens to the public
JKMM designed the space.
Architects | Jun 14, 2018
Chicago Architecture Center sets Aug. 31 as opening date
The Center is located at 111 E. Wacker Drive.
Museums | Jun 1, 2018
The new Orange County Museum of Art will be Orange County’s largest center for arts and culture
Morphosis designed the building.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
