The year of 2009 is officially proclaimed as “Year of Astronomy”! A good reason to think about the weak points of Bulgarian capital in that area and that is the fact its citizens don’t have Planetarium- a place where one can be a part of amazing and unforgettable simulated tour in space! Moreover, it concerns the necessity of scientific and educational center in here in Sofia that is to be an entertainment center of a new kind, such as the one in Valencia, Spain made by Santiago Calatrava and the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York.
The Astronomy Center of Sofia would be of great matter concerning the cultural tourism, cultural development as a whole and the need of astronomical education which is now going downward. Bulgarian science had great traditions in Astronomy and was an undoubted leader in Eastern Europe in that area one-two decades ago. An evidence for this is the presence of Planetariums and Observatories in several Bulgarian towns, and especially the National Observatory, whish is the biggest one on the Balkan peninsula.
It’s high time for the forgotten traditions to become reality again, but in a new modern way! Everyone can easily learn something interesting and valuable, while having fun! The Astronomy Center planned in the presented project offers a modern vision, technical equipment of a new generation and contemporary methods of presenting the various aspects of this unique science.
Important and necessary analyses have been made in the planning process, concerning: 1) right choice of appropriate location that can fulfill the demands for the proper functioning of the building; 2) well-balanced choice of the scope and type of the technical equipment, which respectively defines volume, general sizes and technical rooms needed for the Planetarium Hall; 3) and last but not least-planning of well-harmonized structure with memorable vision that corresponds to the surrounding environment.
LOCATION The location of such type of a building is of great importance. On one hand, it should be situated in a crowded and communicative place, but on the other - it should be placed in natural peaceful surroundings as well. The Astronomy Center is placed in the central zone of South Park in Sofia, next to the building of Mall “City Center Sofia” which is one of the hot spots in the capital. In this way the placement fulfills the requirements and guarantees a good amount of visitors in the Planetarium (meaning that both visitors of the Park and the Mall could attend the Astro-center).
SPATIAL COMPOSITION & VISION. It’s quite obvious the building stands on the border between high-intensive urban area and Park. So that its appearance has a sharply contrasting look in comparison with the surrounding buildings on one hand, and on the other- it tries to compensate the Park for the destroyed greenery by setting up green pedestrian ramps (green accessible roofs).
As a result of detailed designing process and thorough analyses, the Astronomy Center of Sofia got its attractive and memorable appearance- due to its harmony with the surrounding environment and the organization of the functional structure inside. The exterior form reminds of a shape of spiral galaxy that swings round itself from above the ground, so that it seems as if the ground of the park turns round itself and ,at same time, the building is in relief shape and part of the park landscape.
The connection between the main road (in front of the building) and the building itself is a wide-range welcoming zone, called ‘Astronomy Ground’ because of the devices arranged there. These installations are special astronomy utilities for presenting physics and astronomy phenomenon (such as solar clock; armiliar sphere; platform for telescope). The Ground is also a orientation sign for what happens inside!
Inside the spacious foyer the visitor would find himself involved in a kind of a cosmic element which follows the path left by comet. As if the funnel-like space makes him move up and forward in orbit-like spiral ramp that leads to the next (second) floor. There he could find another roomy space (separated in several expositions) and the above-mentioned 4D-cosmis-simualtor.Involved in this cosmos-like atmosphere, the visitor could proceed to the main and most attractive part of the building-its “heart”- The Star-Hall! The way to it is a glass-covered passage (above the ground level) and the passing through it reminds the feeling as if you get over gravitation. Right before the entrance there’s one more foyer (again expositions supplied) which has special function. It is semi-dark and semi-lightened so that it’s a buffer for observers’ eyes as they need adaptation (to darken space inside the Hall) before the show starts. This kind of buffer-space is a necessary component for Planetarium buildings. The ergonomic-like seats inside the Planetarium Theatre are placed on an inclined platform. The projection machine is UNIVERSARIUM M IX TD (Carl Zeiss) and is installed in the very geometric center of the Planetarium’ sphere.
That’s so far the consistence of the building in general.
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