No Slide Title · 2018. 7. 19. · Hayden Planetarium in New York and the Adler Planetarium in...
Transcript of No Slide Title · 2018. 7. 19. · Hayden Planetarium in New York and the Adler Planetarium in...
Building Area:
24,000 SF
Cost per Square Foot:
$217
Construction Cost:
$5.2 M
Date of Completion:
Spring 2001
Project Description:
Being mindful of the historic neo-classical style of a railroad depot that first opened in 1925,
this renovation and addition was complete in 2001 and was a catalyst in the master planning
efforts to revitalize downtown Baton Rouge. The goal of this project was to replace an
outdated facility with a state of the art facility housing a new multipurpose planetarium and
space theater. Utilizing world class technology, new exhibition and educational spaces,
offices and conference areas, this project would set the bar for planetariums that would
follow. Renovation of existing art galleries, classroom spaces and the integration of an
interior sculpture lobby were also achieved. Aligned with the user’s vision and belief that the
disciplines of art and science create an interdisciplinary experience that allows for
connections and discovery of new ways of seeing and thinking, this project combined the
arts and sciences creating an experience far beyond expectations.
Because of this successful merging of art and science, the facility has become a vital
educational resource and destination to the community and beyond. Attracting more than
175,000 annual visitors, with more than 92,000 of these students, this revitalized facility
provides programming for diverse audiences, families, tourists and students alike. Located
along the Mississippi River, the facility is a significant contributor to Louisiana’s tourist
economy and has become a major downtown Baton Rouge attraction, drawing visitors from
local areas, as well as across the United States and many foreign countries.
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User Statement:
Our goals included a space that functionally and visually marries the existing museum and
new planetarium, a theatre accommodating new technologies, and architecture that invites
passers-by. The architects found creative and attractive solutions. In two weeks, we served
13,000 visitors in stimulating, yet soothing elegant environments.
Understanding the historic
nature and architectural
significance of the existing
1920’s train station turned
museum, the design
creates not only a state of
the art planetarium and
multimedia addition, but
addresses the contextual
vernacular of the existing
building and site.
The design solution
seamlessly extends the
historic building and
communicates the engaging
nature of its internal
functions. It addresses
significant tapered and
triangular shaped site
constraints with perimeter
edges defined by an active
railway, a state highway and
the river levee.
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The project required the
collaboration with city,
state, museum and private
sector contributors who
teamed together to improve
arts and science education
while advancing civic
amenities in the community.
Significant site constraints
required creative solutions.
Major challenges existed:
balance light-limiting solid
forms for the theater
experience with the need of
transparency for views both
inside and out.
The solution features a
copper-clad domed cylinder
that houses the raised
theater on the second floor
and the hands-on exhibit
level in the transparent
residual space below.
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The new sculpture
garden, once an exterior
loading area for the train
station and then an
exterior sculpture garden
for the previous museum,
was enclosed, creating a
central entry point.
Visitors are greeted upon
arrival by the sculpture
filled space which
provides visual cues to
assist with wayfinding.
The space also provides
a transparent upper level
affording balcony visitors
a scenic view of the
Mississippi River.
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The sculpture garden
functions as the
connection between the
renovated facility and the
addition, a merging of art
and science. The design
incorporates the existing
exterior face of the
original train station,
emphasizing the original
stained glass and
masonry which is
highlighted by
architectural accent
lighting.
The transparency of the
second level connector
affords views over the
river levee and beyond.
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The new first floor exhibit
gallery provides hands-on,
interactive educational
exhibits for children and
adults alike; all the while
concealing theater
equipment and major
structural components.
This transparent residual
space, created once the
theater was lifted above the
ground level, allows
patrons to flow through a
series of spatial
experiences during their
visit.
Incorporating flexible
exhibit design, the use and
evolution of gallery exhibits
continues to be a positive
and adaptive attribute for
patrons and staff.
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The Space Theater is one
of the most advanced
facilities in the country
providing programming
commensurate with
Hayden Planetarium in
New York and the Adler
Planetarium in Chicago.
The facility operates not
only in a presentation
format, but also has the
ability to be fully interactive
based upon specific needs.
As technology evolves, the
client is able to easily keep
pace with changes.
Technology, once
unimagined, continues to
be successfully integrated
for patron enjoyment.
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The planet tower interior
functions as a circulation
stairway that orbits the
suspended planets,
allowing visitors to gain a
sense of the planets’
scale and proportions.
As patrons exit the space
theater, their path is laced
through this solar system
and down an open
stairway bringing all within
arm’s length of the
planets.
Each planet model is
scaled in relationship to
the 60 foot planetarium
roof dome representing
the sun.
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The planet tower serves
as a glass exclamation
point creating visual
interest and excitement.
Carefully crafted lighting
and glazing transforms
this tower into a
welcoming beacon after
dusk.
To this day, the planet
tower stands as a
landmark for locals and a
reference point for visitors
to downtown.
Addressing the
adjacencies of the active
railway at the lower level,
the design provides a
solid façade while
creating a transparent
view out to the levee and
river at the second levels.
While serving the
community through
lectures, workshops,
classes, teacher in-
services, school field
trips, summer camps and
other programming; the
facility continues to offer
the highest quality
programming available in
the United States.
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Featuring exhibitions of
internationally renowned
artists, a permanent art
collection, innovative
programming and
interactive children's
galleries, the facility
seeks to enhance the
understanding and
appreciation of art and
science for general
audiences and students
alike.
Even more evident today
than when first open, this
is where art and science
connect to encourage
discovery and foster the
pursuit of knowledge
while respectfully paying
homage to its rich history.