Architecture studio Snøhetta has completed a new planetarium and observatory called Orionis in Douai, northern France.
Orionis is inspired by the elliptical and continuous movement of stars. It features two domes for the projection room and observatory surrounded by curved wooden walls.
The new cultural venue, opened on 13 May, is one of the first projects to be completely conceived, managed and built by Snøhetta’s Paris studio.
“We are extremely excited to showcase the Snøhetta approach for delivering high-quality cultural and educational buildings in France,” said Oliver Page, managing director of Snøhetta’s studio in Paris.
“We wanted to propose an extraordinary meeting place and a new destination for the inhabitants of Douai,” said Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, co-founder of Snøhetta.
“The architectural and urban concept of our project takes its inspiration from the elliptical movement of the stars.
“Being continuous, fluid and perpetual are notions that we have reinterpreted in the project, not only in terms of the shape but also in the experience that visitors will have of the planetarium, all senses employed.”
The concept of continuous movement can be seen throughout the structure, including the reception area, exhibition spaces, amphitheater and domes.
Orionis inspired by movement of stars
The landscaped areas are designed to promote biodiversity. The garden has a continuous pathway that connects the outdoor spaces and the building, and the roof is planted with wild grass.
Snøhetta designed the project with sustainable features. The heating is supplied by geothermal energy, and sensors are installed on several openings to provide smart natural ventilation.
The studio also used locally sourced materials to limit the carbon footprint, and installed sunshades and the green roof to regulate the building’s temperature and rainwater.
In more news, Snøhetta has been chosen to restore and modernise the Natural History Museum of Lille in northern France, with a reopening scheduled for 2025.
