Oman Astronomy Center

Project idea

The aim is to bring together persons in Oman who are interested in astronomy for the purpose of exchanging and disseminating information in this field through several workshops for participants and interested parties.

Project description

Provide state of art facility to increase the variety of culture and satisfy the interests of Oman's youth, provide government facilities that allow for the development of astronomical interest in education at all levels.

Technical information

The mission of my project is to Provide state of art facilities to increase the variety of culture and satisfy the interests of Oman's youth, provide government facilities that allow for the development of astronomical interest in education at all levels. The objectives are divided into two parts,

General: To enhance the culture awareness of the society about astronomy.

Students: To provide facility for student education on topics related to applications of astronomy.

According to the objectives of my project, the building is separated into two parts, one part for public uses and the other part for the students and researchers (with their own entrance and services).

My project is located in Ras Alhamra, Muscat, oman.

The site sits on an elevated area, with a highest point at 134 ft (41 m) above sea level, which is suitable for observatory use. The site has a slope toward the north, with a difference of 13 m. From east to west the area is approximately flat. The concept of the project is the dynamic movement of stars and planets in galaxies around the central point, and the design idea inspired by the spiral movement of the galaxy.

At the main entrance of the building there is a planetarium that acts as a central mass of the building. At the left side from the main entrance there is an indoor skydiving activity and some entertainment for a simulation game room and kids' astronomy journey. Next, the trip of the exhibition zone visitors will start from an astronomy elevator which is designed as a spacecraft so, when you get into the elevator your mood will be in the exhibition and you will be excited to explore more. The journey of the exhibition will start from the last floor, and it will include the observation activity and different types of exhibition which are related to astronomy going down floor by floor using the escalator ramp that is inside the exhibitions. Then the exhibition part will end at the underground floor and lead to an outdoor astronomy garden.

The building is in different levels because of the effect of site topography. I solved this challenge by adding an underground floor and sloped garden as shown on the poster.

Documentation

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