montreal Planetarium Competition

Montreal, Quebec – 2008
International Competition for a new Planetarium

Located in the Olympic Park, this proposal for a new planetarium offers an innovative and ecological image to this institution.

THE PLANETARIUM: A CONCEPTUAL APPROACH

The exterior shell of the proposed new Planetarium imitates the neighbouring flowing curves. A peripheral Curve starts at the football field. When the curve reaches level 300, it belts the project and transforms it into a landmark, distinguishing it from the surrounding buildings. Inside this Curve, the “Sphere” emerges as the generating element of the project – it is around it that all future functions are articulated. The sum of the “Curve + Sphere” also refers to the solar system and to the different objects and bodies gravitating around the sun.

To further the project’s integration with its context, the curve is literally anchored to the site and as it rises transforms into a green roof, accessible to all passers-by, this allows it to participate in the site’s dynamism while giving the Planetarium the chance to fully make use of its ecological attributes. It wouldn’t be surprising to see sports teams running, friends having picnics or couples strolling on this manmade rising slope, offering to all a panoramic view of the site and the adjacent neighbourhood.
 
On the other hand, the Curve and Sphere are also visible from any location on the site. The LED modulated lighting surrounding the green roof gives the impression that the ring is constantly moving around the Sphere.

SPATIAL ORGANIZATION

As mentioned earlier, the Sphere and the Curve are two of the project’s key elements.

The Curve, by its shape and its use as a green roof, signals the project’s limits, ensures its integration to the site and becomes a place of promenades and discoveries.

The Sphere, located at the center of the project, shelters the most important and dynamic functions of the Planetarium: from the permanent exhibit area to the Star Theatre, it allows a high level of interaction and experiential immersions. This core connects and unites all the Planetarium’s other functions. This configuration also allows the light to be filtered and reduced (an important factor in the projection area), and enables a greater flexibility and a freedom of use in all areas located within and outside the complex.

A spacious and luminous entry hall, recalling the outdoor surroundings, allows visitors to immediately perceive all the activities offered at the Planetarium. This area, in perpetual motion, contains the box office, the information counter, a small store and a coffee shop; the latter two areas operate autonomously and are easily accessible after the museum’s closing hours. All administrative activities are also connected to the hall, thus keeping preserving an important point of contact between staff and clients and insuring efficient service.

Permanent and temporary exhibits are organized on three levels and gravitate around the sphere in an open-space layout, free of any obstacles, which multiplies the possibilities of use. The second floor marks the culminating point of the visit; here we encounter the two theatres. Their curved ceilings, attached to the sphere’s master shell, confer an innovative technical aspect to the project. This uppermost floor also proposes a private roof-terrace, designed as the reflection of the public area below; this terrace also enters into dialog with the public green roof.

At all levels – from the basement to the last floor – the Sphere breaks away from the surrounding envelope and a 3-metre gap occurs between them.  The Sphere is solely accessible by a set of bridges that reinforces its independent nature. Intermediary levels, linked by staircases, are proposed as well, creation a play of different “orbital planes” and offer flexible and versatile spaces. Finally, the Sphere is to float on a pool of water, creating the illusion that it is truly completely detached from the surrounding structure.