Continuing its work to enhance public engagement and advance the Astro-sciences, the Adirondack Sky Center retained ENVISION, KB Engineering, and Creative Arts Unlimited to develop a design for its Astro-Science Center in Tupper Lake NY. Already a great location for star gazing, the Center will expand to provide exhibit space, classrooms, a planetarium and gift-shop, as well as a new research-grade telescope and dome.
The Center will integrate its program with the Wild Center and area schools, colleges and universities. The facility will contribute to scientific discovery, and invite the public and students to explore the history, present and future of Astro-Sciences thru hands-on activity, exhibits, special programs, lectures and seminars.
The site orientation and topography are design drivers, critical to obtaining clear views of the sky. Roof slopes, viewing angles, and the massing of both the Research Telescope and Astro-Science Center buildings are considered to optimize celestial observation activities while conforming to planning constraints of the Adirondack Park Agency.
The building is designed to complement Adirondack vernacular architecture. It is simple and compelling, featuring sustainable design and material selections. The site concept features a landscaped ramp to provide an accessible connection among the observatory, research telescope and Astro-Science Center.
Collaborating with the award-winning Creative Arts Unlimited exhibit design team, we conceptualized the exhibition spaces to create inspiring interior spaces that encourage exploration and hands-on learning. A double-height exhibition hall will feature suspended celestial elements, a Foucault pendulum, fixed and movable exhibit cases, touch screens and a video alcove. An adjacent secured room will contain historic astronomy instruments.