Planetarium
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about planetarium
Project • By INI Design Studio • Museums
Astronomy and Space Science Gallery
Architecture here becomes a cosmic instrument.
Conceived as a spatial embodiment of the solar system, the Astronomy and Space Science Gallery transforms abstract astronomical phenomena into an immersive, navigable experience. A luminous central void acts as the sun, anchoring a constellation of orbiting galleries that choreograph the visitor’s journey from the familiar to the infinite. At its core, a spherical planetarium appears to levitate above an amphitheatre, collapsing structure, spectacle, and learning into a single architectural moment—where science is not merely observed, but physically inhabited.
Vinay Panjwani, India
Vinay Panjwani, India
Vinay Panjwani, India
As India’s largest facility dedicat... More
News • News • 25 Oct 2023
Cosmocité science center in Pont-de-Claix preserves the industrial memory of its location
French architectural studio Arcane Architectes (based in Grenoble) and Canadian architectural studio Cardin Julien (based in Montréal) worked in partnership on the design of Cosmocité, a new science center in Pont-de-Claix (a municipality of Grenoble-Alpes Métropole). Cosmocité is constructed on the site of “Les Grand Moulins de Villancourt” — a former water mill that has marked the industrial heritage of Pont-de-Claix since 1869. Located at Pont-de-Claix’s northern entrance, Cosmocité is considered the “cultural cornerstone” of the municipality’s urban renewal.
Nicolas Trouillard
Unable to be reused, the old mill was demolished in 2019. Aiming to preserv... More
News • News • 2 Oct 2023
University of Strasbourg opens a new planetarium clad in burnt wood
A new planetarium has opened its doors in the heart of the University of Strasbourg. The “Planétarium du Jardin des Sciences” was designed by Paris-based architectural studio Frenak+Jullien in association with Cardin Julien (associate architects) and M+ Mathieu Holdrinet (project architect). Set in a newly redesigned garden, the planetarium consists of two bold geometric volumes: a truncated cone houses a 138-seat projection room and entrance gallery; an adjoining cylindrical volume comprises the reception and related service facilities of the Jardin des Sciences.
Maxime Delvaux
Maxime Delvaux
The “Jardin des Sciences” — Science Garden — is a cultural district of the University o... More
News • News • 31 Aug 2023
Snøhetta composes a cosmic symphony in Orionis, a new planetarium and observatory in northern France
Snohetta introduces Orionis, a new cultural destination in Douai, France. Encompassing a planetarium and observatory, the design exudes an elliptical form, drawing cues from the movement of stars.
Nestled on a prime site between the Scarpe River, an archaeological museum Arkéos and a nearby residential complex, Orionis strives to seamlessly link the various facets, fostering an inclusive and stimulating environment for its users. The design concept presents a cohesive structure characterized by curves that gracefully envelope the twin domes housing the observatory and projection room.
Jad Sylla
Jad Sylla
Crafted through a close collaboration involving CET Ingénierie, Impact Conseil et Ingénierie, Cic... More
Project • By CO Architects • Universities
Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex
The 96,631-square-foot Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex at California State University, Sacramento (Sac State), designed by Los Angeles-based CO Architects, serves as an educational and cultural hub for students, faculty, visitors, and the greater Sacramento community. The new five-story, $91.5-million building features a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient, light-filled science facility providing teaching and research laboratories for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. According to the university, the facility is designed as a space for students to investigate solutions for climate change, healthy aging, and many other worldwide challenges.
Set on the banks of the American River, the facility provides in... More