The Astronomy and Space Science Museum has a diverse program including a Planetarium with 200 seat capacity, an Observatory (with 40 Inch Aperture Telescope) and Retractable Dome, Solar Telescope (with 10 Inch Aperture Telescope), 2 Simulators for Virtual Experience, a Photo Booth, an Intro- Projection Hall, Cockpit Simulators, Virtual Reality Exhibits and Large Exhibits with Thematic, Scientific Content and Originality. The designs of the galleries are driven by the basic understanding of the purpose a theme-based gallery serves in society in general. The interactive exhibits in galleries serve as a starter for a discussion between students, student and teacher or between a parent and a child.
Site Area : 10,000 SM Builtup Area : 8,500 SM Services :
Feasibility Study, Programing, Masterplanning, Building Design - Architecture, MEPF Engineering, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Project Management Consultancy (PMC), Civil & Structure Engineering , Exhibit Design, AV/Acoustics, Lighting Design, Infrastructure Engineering, Art Curation Collaboration : Observatory & Planetarium Expert: New Era Technical Consulting, Ian Dyer, UK
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Unique, Attractive Facility for Enjoyment of Astronomy & Space Science
This Astronomy and Space Science Gallery is the largest in India and forms a part of the Gujarat Science City
project which is a State Government initiative to build a mega exhibit and experience center to promote
awareness regarding scientific phenomena and cultivate a scientific temper among common citizens. This
particular gallery, one among many at the science city, is located on an ear-marked hexagonal plot of 1 hectare
adjacent to similar plots housing the Aquatics and Planet Earth Galleries, thus completing the triumvirate of
earth, water and space. The design requirement for this particular gallery was to create an impactful, attractive
venue for public exhibits which people can easily navigate around and can simultaneously educate and
entertain while disseminating information regarding the subject.
The design dispenses the gallery in 5 blocks, 4 of
them surrounding the central three floors high
atrium block enveloped in transparent glazing
system inside which a massive brass-plated
globe representing the sun is housed, visible from
the surrounding landscaped exteriors. A
combination of soft and hardscapes and water
features that surround the structure is
intermittently adorned with large interactive
outdoor exhibits like a tellurian, a moon-buggy
racer and miniature Jantar Mantar to create an
irresistibly inviting venue for visitors.
Solar System Inspired Self-Orienting Layout
The massing of the four surrounding blocks is subdivided in two parts each to create a metaphorical
interpretation of the solar system of eight planets orbiting around the sun. Visitors gain entry
through a northern entranceway into the central atrium and face the monumental globe
representing the sun hoisted on peripheral steel supports as though in suspension over an
amphitheater event space in the center. This central piece creates a focus that helps the visitors get
spontaneously oriented during their clockwise perambulation through three levels of each of the
four blocks housing various exhibits, galleries and experiences.
Indian Space Science
Indian Space Science
The very first block in the circuit houses the intra-projection orientation room and has the means of
vertical circulation that lead to each upper level and to the 40” lens telescope-equipped observatory
with a retractable roof at the top most level of the attached tower.
The massive globe hoisted at the atrium’s center houses the planetarium accessed via a bridge at
the upper level. The surrounding circulatory passages leading to various galleries at the upper levels
overlook the central space where the eight planets suspended around the globe complete the solar
system model. Infographics about each planet adorn the top counter of parapet wall of these
circulatory passages encircling the atrium’s centre, which also has a Foucault’s Pendulum and an
Orrery.
Present Gallery
Future Gallery
The galleries are categorised through a time lens as past history, present advancements and future
projections of astronomy and space science where the dark interiors house lit-up exhibits and
installations interspersed with informative audio-visual media interfaces to engage the visitor in an
entertaining and enriching journey of education about our cosmos.
Past Gallery
Past Gallery
Global Best of Interactive Exhibits for Space Education
Electromagnetic Spectrum, Gravitational Wave, Gravitational Lens, Air Thrusters, Twin Paradox,
various spacecraft models and immersive simulations, various space experiments are few among the
hundreds of experiences and exhibits housed in this space and astronomy centre.
Past Gallery
Integrated for a Sustainable Future
The Astronomy and Space Science Gallery is designed to align with highest global sustainability
standards as defined by IGBC/ LEED. Some of the measures adopted are solar shading, ventilated
rain-screen façade system, low-e glazing, rainwater harvesting and reuse, efficient central cooling,
renewable energy through solar PV panels, water efficient plumbing systems, operable windows,
daylight sensors and others.
Design Evolution
"Making Space Education Accessible Through Enriching, Immersive Public
Experience Facilities."