ENHANCING USER EXPERIENCE AND COGNITIVE LEARNING IN THE ASTRONOMICAL ARENA

ENHANCING USER EXPERIENCE AND COGNITIVE LEARNING IN THE ASTRONOMICAL ARENA A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements for the curriculum of

ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH PARADIGMS By

Ms. Kalpana (Enrollment No. A8304016016)

Under the supervision of Dr. Arun Kapoor Ar. Smriti Rastogi

Submitted to

AMITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING, AMITY UNIVERSITY, UTTAR PRADESH, LUCKNOW (SESSION: 2016-21) In the month of October’20

AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the Dissertation titled “Enhancing user experience and cognitive learning in the astronomical arena”, submitted by Ms. Kalpana, as a part of five year Under Graduate Programme in Architecture in AMITY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE & PLANNING is a record of bonafide work carried out by them. The content included in the Dissertation has not been submitted to any other university or institute for accord of any other degree or diploma.

(Internal Examiner)

(External Examiner)

Dr. Arun Kapoor

Prof. Jagbir Singh

Ar. Smriti Rastogi

(Director, ASAP)

(Dissertation Supervisor)

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UNDERTAKING BY THE STUDENT

I do hereby undertaking that the information submitted in this Dissertation, by me, is exclusively by my own efforts and is not a copy of some academic work by someone else either in the past or present. References are accurately mentioned wherever taken.

Ms. Kalpana A8304016016 9th Semester B. Arch. (2016-21) Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow

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CONTENTS ABSTRACT

vi

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

vii

LIST OF FIGURES

viii

CHAPTERS 1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………….……1 1.1 Overview of the structure…………………………………………………………………….....1 1.2 Statement of problem…………………………………………………………………………...2 1.3 Aim……………………………………………………………………………………………...2 1.4 Objectives……………………………………...………………………………………………..2 1.5 Methodology……………………………………………………………………………………2 1.6 Scope…………………………..………………………………………………………………..4 1.7 Limitations……………………………………………………………………………………...4 1.8 Expected outcomes……………………………………………………………………………..4 2. STANDARDS FROM VERIFIED ORGANISATIONS AND LITERATURE STUDY…………………………………………………………………………………….….7 2.1 International planetarium society……………………………………………………………7 2.1.1 Digital domes 2.1.2 Immersive audio resources 2.1.3 Portable/mobile domes 2.1.4 Reference and sales material in planetariums 2.2 Indian Planetarian Society……………………………………………………………….…...9 2.3 National Council of Science Museums………………………………………………..........10 2.4 Architectural requirements to meet the aim of the planetarium………………………….10 2.4.1 Planetarium buildings-design and construction 2.4.2 Architectural problems in small planetariums 2.5 Potential study parameters………………………………………………………………….11 2.6 Educational Aspect…………………………………………………………………………..11 2.6.1 Planetarium and secondary education 2.6.2 Planetarium and adult education 2.6.3 Experimental Learning 2.7 Universal Design in Planetarium……………………………………………………………13 2.7.1 In cases of muscular dystrophy or polio groups, 2.7.2 For the visually impaired and blind people,.

2.7.3 While speaking to mentally retarded groups.

2.8 Presentation techniques and special effects……………………...…………………………14 2.8.1 Sound effects in the planetarium 2.8.2 Development and use of auxiliary devices in the planetarium 2.8.3 Use of black light in the planetarium 2.9 Public engagement………………………………………………………...…………………16 3. CASE STUDIES ON POTENTIAL STUDY AREAS…………………………………….18 3.1 Discussion of potential study areas and their importance in chosen case studies………..18 3.1.1 Educational aspect 3.1.2 User Experience 3.1.3 Technological advancements 3.1.4 Design guidelines 3.1.5 Universal Design iii | P a g e

3.2 Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow(Local case study)……………………………..….19 3.2.1 Overview 3.2.2 Accessibility 3.2.3 Architectural details 3.2.4 User experience 3.2.5 Technological advancements 3.2.6 Mobile system 3.3 Birla Planetarium, Chennai(National case study)………………………………………….20 3.3.1 Overview 3.3.2 Accessibility 3.3.3 Architectural details 3.3.4 Technological aspect 3.4 Adler Planetarium, Chicago(International case study)……………………………………21 3.4.1 Overview 3.4.2 Accessibility 3.4.3 Architectural details 3.4.4 Community design lab 3.4.5 Chicago Night sky exhibitions 3.4.6 Space visualization lab 3.5 Hayden Planetarium, New York(International case study)………………………………24 3.5.1 Overview 3.5.2 Accessibility 3.5.3 Architectural details 3.5.4 Universal design 3.5.5 Social and environment stability 3.6 L’hemisphere, Spain(International case study)……………………………………………26 3.6.1 Overview 3.6.2 Accessibility 3.6.3 Façade and Landscaping 3.6.4 Architectural details 3.7 Winchester Planetarium(International case study)…………………………………….…28 3.7.1 Overview 3.7.2 Invention Studio 3.7.3 Universal design 3.8 Comparative chart of case studies based on following parameters……………………...30 3.9 Inferences based on above discussion…………………………………………………….....31 4. DISCUSSION, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION………………………...33 4.1 Evaluation of limitations identified in the study…………………………………………...33 4.2 Recommendation for policies, standards and requirements based on different parameters…………………………………………………………………………………....33

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4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 4.2.4 4.2.5 4.2.6

Ergonomics and Anthropometry Senses as a key element Requirements based on demographic density, composition and location Façade treatment Designing of galleries and other spaces inside planetarium Quantitative and Qualitative standards

4.3 A clear understanding of the central argument (parameters) of the research………..….38 4.3.1 4.3.2

Educational aspect User experience

4.4 Contribution of this research to the existing information in the field of planetariums and science centers……………………………………………………………………..……………..……38 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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40

ABSTRACT Stars, Planets, Moon and other celestial bodies seem to be a world of fantasy. As seen in recent past, humankind is exponentially progressing towards building up colonies in outer space. This makes it quite important for the public to get educated about it. The conventional classroom system tends to develop a superficial concept regarding astronomy among students. The old-aged, specially abled and working class miss out on this. They are so busy in their everyday schedule or are not being provided an ample opportunity that they are unable to access this experience. This leads us to the need for improvement of spaces which provide the phenomenal experience and knowledge of astronomy. The planetariums, science centers and their mobile units need to be researched on, studied in detail, equipped with technology innovation in order to result a useful facility. With increasing craze of astronomy, students must be persuaded to pursue the astronomical field for their higher studies. This dissertation has compilation of precedent studies done research papers and case studies of planetariums around the world.

The research is about improving client experience and psychological learning in the planetariums by using various technological and design inputs.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I would like to thank the following people for helping me throughout this dissertation project: Dr. Arun Kapoor, Ar. Smriti Rastogi, the mentors for this dissertation. They have helped me to throughout this dissertation, gave comments for improvement and helped to get through obstacles faced in this process.

My fellow batchmates who gave their point of view and made this dissertation even more useful and meaningful.

My friends and family for giving immense support throughout this and also helping with their nonprofessional viewpoints about my dissertation topic. It helped to analyze the shortcomings of userexperience in this field and come up with solutions for its betterment.

Genuinely without these valuable inputs, this work of mine would not have been able to reach its final form.

Ms. Kalpana A8304016016 9th Semester B. Arch. (2016-21) Amity School of Architecture & Planning, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow

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LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 2.1: Digital Dome Spectrum……………………………………………………………………….8 Fig 2.2 : Inflatable Domes For Mobile Planetariums………………………………………………….9 Fig 2.3 Accessibility Guides In Planetariums…………………..……………………………………..13 Fig 2.4 Tactile Sphere with Constellation....................................................................................…...13 Fig 2.5: Artists Painting Manually ……………………………………………………………..…….16 Fig 2.6: Fluorescent Paintings with the Use Of Black Light ............................................................16 Fig 3.1 Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow………………………………………………………...19 Fig 3.2 First Floor Zoning ……………………………………………………………………………19 Fig 3.3 Rear Elevation ………………………………………………………………………………..20 Fig 3.4 Birla Planetarium, Chennai ……………………………………………………………….….20 Fig 3.5 Space Rocket Model………………………………………………………………………….20 Fig 3.6 Adler Planetarium Aerial View………………………………………………………………21 Fig 3.7 Zoning Diagrams Of Various Floors of Planetarium………………………………………...22 Fig 3.8 Use of Cool Toned Colours in Galleries……………………………………………………..22 Fig 3.9 Galleries………………………………………………………………………………………23 Fig 3.10 Atwood Sphere………………………………………………………………………………23 Fig 3.11 High Glass Cube Enclosing the Sphere

……………………………………..…...24

Fig 3.12 The Hayden Sphere ………………………………………………………………………....24 ……………………………………………..…………24

Fig 3.13 Cosmic Pathway

Fig 3.14 Lower Level Floor Plan…………………………………………………………..…………24 Fig 3.15 First Floor Plan

……………………………………………………………..……….25

Fig 3.16 Second Floor Plan

……………………………………………………………..………25

Fig 3.17 Cosmic Pathway around Exhibits……………………………………………………...……25 Fig 3.18 Sketch of Design Concept

……………………………………………………...……..26

Fig 3.19 Conceptual Sketch of Building Form………………………………………………………..26 viii | P a g e

Fig 3.20 View during Daytime

………………………………………………………………..26

Fig 3.21 View during Night…………………………………………………………………………...26 Fig 3.22 The Grand Entrance Walkway………………………………………………………………27 Fig 3.23 Circulation Pattern…………………………………………………………………………...27 Fig 3.24 Zoning Diagram Of Planetarium

…………………………………………………………28

Fig 3.25 Winchester Planetarium……………………………………………………………………..28 Fig 3.26 Quiet Hour Studio……………………………………………………………………………29 Fig 3.27 Changing Rooms For Specially-Abled ……………………………………………………29 Fig 4.1 Seating in Planetarium Dome…………………………………………………………………33 Fig 4.2 Signage For Specially Abled………………………………………………………………….34 Fig 4.3 Access Ramp Outside the Facility …………………………………………………………....34

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CHAPTER 1 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 OVERVIEW A planetarium is a structure, generally dome-like which offers a space where people can watch the night sky. Earlier used to educate about stars, planets and constellations, planetariums today are unique immersive facilities often used to support science and technology ,engineering, mathematics and cross learning disciplines into art , culture and history. The solar system, other celestial bodies, and constellations can be witnessed closely in planetariums. Some planetariums also have telescopes through which people can look into space.

Planetariums are the world's cosmology study halls and theaters of open science instruction that have served maybe a billion people during the previous century. There are 3000 planetariums including more than 100 nations around the globe. Planetariums likewise were utilized to prepare early astronauts in heavenly route methods. By indicating the interesting revelations in cosmology and space investigation, planetariums are a significant device in expanding science education.

In a time when quality science instruction is a higher priority than at any other time, a scientifically literate public is a basic piece of the advancement of any nation. Planetariums around the globe both rouse and teach individuals of any age about our environmental factors the Earth itself and our place known to man and they are frequently a spot in which youngsters become enthused to follow a logical profession. A significant number of the present driving researchers picked their vocations since they were charmed by the experience of a planetarium visit.

Astronomy is an integral part of human history. Cultural constellation stories reflect how past societies viewed their world. As cities expand, the lack of personal contact with nature is producing negative psychological effects. A planetarium night sky is powerful, memorable, and soothing for visitors. Therefore these spaces help people to take a break from their usual days and get engaged in the natural phenomena of the universe.

Since the solar system and beyond is difficult to reach, students in their academics find it difficult to understand the concepts related to this. There are also certain misconceptions about phenomena like falling stars etc. which are due to superstitions or lack of accurate knowledge. Planetariums tend to prove a study medium that helps the students and other people to clear their concepts about astronomy. Since the planetarium activities happen outside the class, they also seem to be enjoyed much more by students. It helps to refurbish the three-dimensional thinking skills of students.

Previously, researches have been done on how to enhance the user experience of planetariums to increase the number of people visiting it. A lot of research has also been done to use the various technological advancements in this field to create an almost similar kind of atmosphere as astronomical space.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM According to the current scenario, planetariums are often monotonous in the design aspect. They generally have a room with a screen on which repetitive shows related to astronomy are displayed.

Therefore people are not interested in visiting them.  User experience: Due to lack of variations and real-time user experience, not a large crowd is attracted to these locations.

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







Educational aspect: Since the planetariums do not offer an appropriate learning environment, students are unable to link the written educational data to the actual natural phenomena. They are not provided with opportunities to experiment and learn themselves.

Versatile crowd: Not many planetariums are based on universal design, therefore people who are visually impaired, old or specially-abled are unable to visit them. Therefore research needs to work upon alternative mediums through which specially-abled can also enjoy and benefit from these spaces.

Planetariums nowadays are generally about an enclosed dark room with projector shows that are repetitive and thus boring. There is a lack of surprise and interesting elements, variability, and x-factor. They fail to attract a larger audience due to these factors. There is also a lack of publicity of these spaces, youth is therefore not aware and interested in visiting them. The planetariums need to be a whole package of exceptional experience where people visiting it get engrossed in a different virtual world of astronomy.

A large number of planetariums around world lack the use of technological advancements which results in deteriorated user experience.

1.3 AIM The aim of this research is providing users an exceptional experience that would spark their creativity, interest, and engagement in this context and to use it as a tremendous learning aid for students.

1.4 OBJECTIVES This research would enhance the public appreciation and understanding of science and astronomy by communicating the beauty, knowledge, and wonders of the universe to persons of all ages. The planetarium produces a visual simulation of sky phenomena. Following are the intentions of this research:  To trigger learner curiosity through these spaces in a way that normal classrooms cannot.  To eliminate misconceptions about astronomical activities and provide them a clearer picture of the same.  To induce and enhance three-dimensional thinking skills in students.  To provide people a common platform where they can witness the natural phenomena closely.  To design a distinctive structure that would attract the city dwellers.  To achieve better academic performance and understanding of students regarding the celestial bodies.

1.5 METHODOLOGY: The basic focus would be on how spaces could be designed in a way that they are not monotonous and offer a similar astronomical space. Also evolving technology would be studied concerning sound, visual, and tactile nature to enhance the user experience. To accomplish all these following data collection methods would be used: 1.5.1 Qualitative methods Qualitative examination, frequently utilizes more emotional strategies, which depend more on the analysts' observational and interpretive capacities. We may gather information through meetings, open-ended surveys, field notes, and video examination. We know that people are influenced by their general surroundings, and therefore the techniques for gathering information should represent these impacts.

While quantitative exploration frequently moves in the direction of testing a biased theory, qualitative examination strategies take into consideration adaptable analysis that assists researchers with distinguishing unexpected marvels or occasions in manners that can prompt new theories. At the end 2|P ag e

of the day, quantitative strategies are regularly utilized when there is adequate existing writing to shape clear speculations and create instruments that can gauge factors of intrigue, while subjective techniques might be more suitable when the specialist needs to assemble more data to all the more likely comprehend an instructive setting or issue that has been inadequately contemplated. Utilizing observational and interpretive strategies to describe people and circumstances takes a lot of time, so qualitative research considers will, in general, include little example sizes.

1.5.2

Design based research(DBR)

DBR draws on subjective and blended strategies customs to consider learning situations through an iterative procedure of refining mediations to grow new speculations and techniques for guidance. The key spotlight here is on get-together information from patterns of usage: the analysts and engineers keep on overhauling their training or projects, in light of earlier adjust of information assortment, in manners that assist them with bettering see how the mediation strengthens learning.

Studies utilizing DBR centers around understanding learning in naturalistic settings and accept that this methodology estimates that it perceives and coordinates the untidiness of certifiable learning conditions. DBR thinks about that the structure of a program is indistinguishable from the execution of a program.At the end of the day, as opposed to treating an instructive involvement with and around the planetarium as a fixed item, plan put together specialists consider that examination concerning any planned program should likewise consider the bigger environment wherein it is relied upon to connect with a group of people. DBR considers the distinctions experienced dependent on various crowds, various moderators, and different parts of the learning condition, as basic to both deciphering and conveying the aftereffects of research.

1.5.3

Research Paper References: The findings and outcomes of the previous researches done on this topic in the context of the location and parameters would be taken into account for this research.

Various researches have been done in this field nationally and internationally. Keeping in mind the context of the Indian site location, the problem areas would be studied and analyzed further giving possible suggestions for improvement.

Critical analysis of various research papers would be done to form conclusions and obtain data.

1.5.4

Case Studies: Case studies about the parameters for this research would be studied, data would be collected, inferences that could be relevant will be used in this research. Case studies have been selected such that all the parameters such as educational aspect, user experience, advanced technology, the design would be studied to find the best possible outcomes that could be used while designing future planetariums. The case studies of planetariums that have failed in one or more above mentioned aspects would also be covered to identify the issues in the current day planetariums. Case studies would cover local, national and international studies to acquire a wider range of information.

The following study areas would be taken care of during this research:  Educational aspect 1. Surveys would be carried out for school and college students to get primary data on how do they perceive these spaces.

2. Also, the importance and need of planetariums would, therefore, be more clearly understood.

3. The extent of three-dimensional thinking skills would be compared to inside a classroom to that in planetariums.

4. The misconceptions would be noted and ways to give a better understanding of the same would be worked out.

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 User experience 1. A survey would also be conducted to know what age groups and number of people are aware of these spaces.

2. To know the missing elements and drawbacks that make them not visit these spaces frequently.

3. To know how the planetarium activities affect their psychology be it positively or negatively.

4. To know why people prefer other places over planetariums when they need to opt a place for entertainment or getaways.  Technology 1. Evolved technology would be studied to provide the best real-time experience to the visitors.

2. Study the effects of the technology that would help students to understand concepts better.

3. Study of the use of full-dome technology 4. Study of the use of spatialized audio 5. Study of the use of high frame rates and sensory realism

 Design and planning parameters 1. Studying about transformable spaces that could modify on certain time intervals to ensure variety and neglect monotony.

2. By the application of light, designing the building exterior such that it acts as a distinctive element in the cityscape. This would attract the city dwellers and would also act as a building trademark for the city.

3. Working on the exterior facade to make it a representation of space entity.

1.6 SCOPE This specific research would be done to explore the headways in the field of 3D TV and holographic innovation, sonification, full-dome innovation, and portable planetariums.

All the plan perspectives and mechanical progression that could bring about a superior user influenced space would be shrouded and examined in this research. Versatile planetariums that would be the following enormous thing, later on, would likewise be talked about and attempted to be researched.

The primary areas of study would be the effect of planetarium activities on students and the userexperience in planetariums.

1.7 LIMITATIONS:    

Management: Even though the space is designed well, repetitive shows that are displayed make the visitors uninterested in visiting the place again.

Maintenance: Space once designed is not taken care of and thus becomes a liminal space.

Publicity: These spaces do not get enough publicity therefore people are not aware of them.

Conventional thoughts: The idea that people already have about planetariums that they are boring and monotonous would not change easily. They do not see planetariums as a place that can be used for entertainment.

1.8 EXPECTED OUTCOMES:  

A location in the city that would be weekend getaways for people for entertainment activities.

A structure that would be distinctive from other buildings and would attract city dwellers.

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   

Better academic performance and understanding of students regarding the celestial bodies.

Elimination of misconceptions regarding astronomical phenomena and thus establishment of concrete concepts.

A user-friendly planetarium that lets people experiment and learn about astronomical concepts.

A well technology equipped space.

CASE STUDIES: • Indira Gandhi Planetarium, Lucknow, India: This planetarium is built in the shape of Saturn, surrounded by its distinguished rings. It is a 21 m diameter spherical building. It holds exhibitions on ground floor which consists of models of Indian built rockets and a figure of Rakesh Sharma. There are also three mobile units of this planetariums that travel to countryside schools and fairs along with inflatable domes and projector to educate students on the importance of space exploration and science. This case study has been taken to study the condition of planetariums in terms of technological and user experience.

• Birla Planetarium, Chennai, India : It is a large planetarium in Chennai providing a virtual tour of the night sky and holding cosmic shows on a specially perforated hemispherical aluminium inner dome. It is located at Kotturpuram in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre campus which houses eight galleries, namely, Physical Science, Electronics and Communication, Energy, Life Science, Innovation, Transport, International Dolls and Children and Materials Science, with over 500 exhibits. Built in 1988 in the memory of the great industrialist and visionary of India B. M. Birla, it is the most modern planetarium in India. This study has been taken in to analyze the location context and design guidelines.

• Hayden Planetarium, New York, USA: The 429-seat Space Theater, which includes a specially crafted Zeiss Mark IX Star Projector and a Digital Dome Projection Framework to show a hyper-realistic perspective on the planets, star clusters, nebulae, and cosmic systems, utilizes a logically exact 3D guide of the detectable universe dependent on a large number of galactic perceptions. Known as the Digital Universe Atlas, this map of the cosmos is maintained by a team of Museum scientists and visualization experts in collaboration with colleagues from organizations such as NASA. The Digital Universe Atlas also provides the foundation for the Museum’s Space Shows, which are screened in the Space Theater. The theatre is wheelchair accessible and the most visited planetarium in the world. The height of this dome reaches 11.5 m. This specific case study has been taken into account to focus the area of universal design in planetarium and further give design guidelines that make planetariums accessible for all.

• Nagoya City Science Museum, Japan: This 350 seated museum is 35m in diameter is the largest in the world. Five floors of the seven-storied museum are dedicated to a comprehensive array of permanent exhibits, while temporary exhibitions are periodically held in the basement. The permanent exhibits present ample opportunities for visitors of all ages to try their hand at learning science through interactive experiments. Since this is the largest planetarium in the world, it has amazing technological advancements and structural design parameters, therefore this case study has been chosen.

• L’Hemispheric, Valencia, Spain: The building looks like a giant eye and it is surrounded by a pool of water. The hemisphere is a singular and spectacular building designed by Santiago Calatrava, which represents the human eye, the eye of wisdom. This element symbolizes the look and observation of the world that visitors discover through surprising audiovisual

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projections. The "pupil" is the hemispherical dome of the IMAX theater and the "eyelid" can open and near to hydraulic lifts to work the steel and glass screen. This amazing architectural piece is arranged toward the finish of the evaporated riverbed Turia. Calatrava needed to take water back to the territory by making a reflecting pool which likewise fills in as a dazzling imaginative showcase around evening time when the lighting makes a picture of an entire eye.This particular case study has been chosen to look upon the exterior design elements and landscaping.

• Morrison Planetarium, San Francisco, California: This planetarium can be found in Golden Gate Park and the seventy-five-foot dome is a piece of the California Academy of Sciences. It is the biggest all-digital planetarium in the whole world, and each star that it shows reflects a star from this present reality. The dome itself has been inclined thirty degrees to represent the tilt of the Earth. Visitors can find out about the planets, asteroids, stars, and more when they are inside.

• Adler Planetarium Chicago, Illinois, United States: This exhibition hall cum planetarium has been a National Historic Landmark since 1987 because of its grand compositional structure and major authentic noteworthiness. It gloats of three enormous theaters, with a one of a kind assortment of antique logical instruments. It additionally has different intuitive displays, which are educative and rousing to all who visit. The planetarium has its own cosmology office too with ordinary day camps being held, rousing the new age to accomplish new statures in subjects identified with space science and astronomy. This case study has been taken in account to study the user-experience in planetariums which the primary study area.

Further in this study we would be studying various research papers, critically analyzing them on the study parameters, going through case studies that would be selected on the basis of study parameters and location context. This study would also be focusing on standards from authorized organizations that deal with planetariums all over the world.

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CHAPTER 2 2. STANDARDS FROM VERIFIED ORGANIZATIONS AND LITERATURE STUDY

2.1 International planetarium society All around the world there are various organizations that deal with the standards, rules and regulations of planetariums. The International Planetarium Society (IPS) is the largest association of planetarium professionals in the world, uniting an extremely diverse population of more than 700 members across 50 countries. The members of IPS work at domed theater facilities in museums, public schools, science centers, colleges, universities, and public facilities as well as in associated industries supplying content, consultation services, technology and support. The educators, lecturers, content producers, equipment manufacturers, writers, artists, musicians, scientists, are the members whose work contributes to the astronomy-related mission of today’s facilities.

IPS aims to coordinate, motivate, and improve all aspects of planetarium activities for its individual and institutional members as they seek to provide knowledge of astronomy, space science, astrophysics, and related sciences to the public. IPS takes interest in all aspects of the domed theater experience, such as teaching, educational issues, content production, astronomy and space science research, facility design and construction, and evolving technologies that affect the basic mission of planetarium to creatively present topics in astronomy. There are number of planetarium associations around the world that are affiliated to IPS. Some of them are African Planetarium Association (APA), Australasian Planetarium Society (APS), British Association of Planetaria (BAP), Canadian Association of Science Centers (CASC), Chinese Planetarium Society (CPS), Southeastern Planetarium Association (SEPA), Southwestern Association of Planetariums (SWAP).This organization provides data regarding following: 2.1.1

Digital domes

Digital domes permit the planetarian to explore the night sky with freedom, zooming in on deeper sky objects, visualizing the paths of celestial objects, and randomly switching to any time period.

Digital planetariums also operate as large format cinemas, showing astronomical simulations, archeoastronomy sites in three dimension, and diversity of science and entertainment programming. Depending on the size and the purpose of the dome required, dome companies offer two types of screen for geodesic domes: tilted and non-tilted(Fig 2.1). The laser modules are being made that will be used with a high powered laser illuminated projector. The precise color of green, or red and blue, and their precise intensity can be accurately determined with its use. Now the IMAX will also be incorporated in planetariums for better real time experience. The only 7|P ag e

problem is the chromatic aberration that is being researched on. There are around 125 giant screen domed cinemas in the world mainly IMAX Dome and Omnimax branded theaters. With a 15-year head start in adapting digital playback, real-time image generation, and projection onto large immersive screens, fulldomes have much potential to improve.

FIG 2.1: Digital dome spectrum (a)Portable, b) classic planetarium, c) tilted dome, and d) giant screen dome SOURCE: Planetarium of the Future( Curator The Museum Journal) 2.1.2

Immersive audio resources

Most importantly this is used to create space between audio objects. The sound elements become more confused if more elements are jammed into two stereo channels. A side effect of this “spatialization” is that you can also place sounds in spatial locations in the room that mimic where they would be heard from in the real world. This is known as “imaging”.

2.1.3

Portable/mobile domes

The portable planetarium domes are made from high tensile strength fabric. They are opaque, lightweight and wrinkle free. They are made from multi-layered fabric that is suitable for full dome digital planetarium projection. These mobile planetarium domes are for indoor use(Fig 2.2).

These domes are non squeeze and non crawl. The entry and exit provision is through a vertical zipper entry system of 6 feet. The inner projection surface of the ‘Digidome’ is grey in colour which is helpful to the night sky projection. They are available in three different standard sizes of dia. 5 meters, 6 meters and 7 meters. These mobile planetarium domes are inflated with a robust high velocity industrial floor fan cum blower whose speed can be regulated from inside the dome

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by the user as and when required. These portable planetarium domes do not deflate or sag even if the entry or exit is open for an infinite time which is critical as it helps in minimizing the time gap between two consecutive shows as one can make entry or exit of the audience in one go.

FIG 2.2 : Inflatable domes for mobile planetariums SOURCE: leoplanetaria.com/mobile-dome.php 2.1.4

Reference and sales material in planetariums

Reference and sales material play an important part in the educational use of planetaria. A reference library for staff use is essential. For members and the general public, a reference and lending library is desirable. Sales materials can represent an excellent selection of books, pamphlets, and star charts for persons who are interested in astronomy. A review of materials in a reference library at a planetarium includes books for all ages and levels of interest.

2.2 Indian Planetarian Society It was established in 2000 by Dr. J.J. Rawal .The objective of the Indian Planetarian Society to popularize Planetary Science, Solar Physics, Astrophysics and unified subjects by arranging short courses, meetings, symposia, classes and workshops for students, educators, specialists and general public.

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2.3 National Council of Science Museums National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India was formed on April 4, 1978. Today, it administers 25 Science Centers and Museums spread all over India. Science City, Kolkata, Birla Industrial and Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata, Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, Vishvesvraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), Bangalore and National Science Centre, Delhi are National level centers of NCSM. There are regional centers and district level centers called ‘Satellite Units’ (SUs). In addition to development of Science centers/museums, NCSM aspires to communicate Science and educate masses by its Mobile Science Exhibitions, Lectures and Demonstrations, Training and Workshops, Publications etc. NCSM has also sent exhibition to countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Russia, USA, Bhutan, China, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, France and the journey continues.

2.4 Architectural requirements to meet the aim of the planetarium Various design guidelines can be followed to create a user-friendly space and new design concepts can be worked upon to result a planetarium that invites a huge crowd and also act as a weekend getaway for city dwellers.

2.4.1

Planetarium buildings-design and construction

One of the main problems facing any institution considering a planetarium program is the most efficient use of space. In several recently constructed planetariums, the radius of the planetarium chamber is several feet greater than the radius of the dome. This provides a rather interesting cosmetic situation and in several cases has improved both the acoustics and the air conditioning situation. The other architectural feature that can affect the public intake of planetariums is its façade. The common notion of people is that planetarium is an unpleasant structure. Therefore if the façade of the planetarium building is worked upon and design interventions are done to create an aesthetic sense, a distinctive structure would be created. The people of the particular area would certainly be attracted to it. Moreover the structure would act as a city landmark.

2.4.2

Architectural problems in small planetariums

The small planetarium gain economic and educational advantages when they are attached to or built in a larger institution; the effectiveness of the planetarium instrument depends on the design of the room in which it is housed, and if plans and materials for this room were standardized it would help new planetariums to secure the best use of the instrument. These studies of large and small planetariums indicate their common needs regardless of size. In the large existing planetariums, which usually have been financed with munificent gifts, both the exterior and 10 | P a g e

interior design is monumental in scale. They are complete with vestibule entrances, lobbies, galleries for educational exhibits, as well as staff offices, minor service rooms for public and operating conveniences, mechanical plants for heating and cooling, and parking facilities. The small planetarium requires all of these facilities, but seldom can afford them. This problem usually means that the planetarium must become a part of an existing school, museum or institution. It is not only a physical addition to another institution, but also an extension of that institution's educational program. For the small planetarium with a limited budget, there are great economic advantages to be gained in being incorporated in an institution equipped with public facilities.

2.5 Potential study parameters In recent years the design of new planetariums has been marked by sweeping changes and improvements in planetarium technology. Most of the programs in larger planetariums are fully automated, require special effect projectors, and feature a variety of audiovisual equipment. The opportunity for new and innovative planetarium design has never been greater. The potential for new and imaginative programs has changed with the evolving technology. It is now possible to present programs on nearly any topic, although the planetariums commit their energies mainly to astronomical shows. Research papers on different parameters such as educational aspect, user experience and technological advancement have been analyzed and inferences have been compiled in this section.

A conference held in Michigan called ‘Planetaria and their use for education’ also discussed about these parameters.

2.6 Educational Aspect The current scenario of planetariums in aspect of education is quite conventional. The planetariums have pre-recorded sessions and stationary exhibits through which students, adults and other sections of society is expected to learn about astronomy. Astronomy is in itself a never stopping phenomena. It has a quality of dynamism. Therefore planetariums need to incorporate more of motion activities that are constantly changing in a period of time. They also need to provide learning and intern programs for graduates and college students to ensure an input of young minds.

2.6.1 Planetarium and secondary education Elementary school science is now being recognized as a basic subject and not just a hobby. We all concur that to make younger students interested in space science we have to make the subject intriguing and genuine to them by utilizing numerous visual guides and by related field trips. In the region of space science, kids can figure out how to watch, measure, draw and record.

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Cosmology is now a universe of imagination for the young students. The issue is to keep his psyche supported with adequate exact data so that in the wonder of the planetarium his rich creative mind can work independently.. From the research paper named ‘Determination of the effect of the planetarium activities on the students’ by Salih Gulen, the following findings can be used while designing planetariums. The use of a three-dimensional method, interactive applications, use of scientific and visual video works, and planetarium activities can help students to understand the solar system and its elements better. Objective modeling to make them better understand the 3d concepts. These activities also eliminate major misconceptions and induce clarity about the same from an early stage of learning.

2.6.2 Planetarium and adult education For however much a child may enjoy a synthetic experience, it nevertheless denies him the opportunity to be personally creative. The average adult, on the contrary, whose imagination is atrophied and whose mind is clouded with worries and pains needs to have his imagination stimulated before it can begin to operate at all. In program planning it is indicated that the child's program needs to be lead from the specific, astronomical idea toward the related areas. The adult program needs to be directed from the related areas (philosophy, the arts, history, literature, etc.,) toward the scientific. Of course, one of the advantages of a series of adult programs is the more academic approach available to the lecturer. Such a series for beginning adults on the general topic, "Man's Relationship to the Universe," might include some of the following demonstrations: (1) A guide to the changing constellations, accompanied by an outdoor session to help make the adjustment to the larger sky (2) The nature of the solar system, and the visual relationship of the planets and the stars (3) The telescope's impact upon astronomical learning (4) The mythology and theology of the heavens (5) The development of man's concepts of time and space (6) The nature of light and energy 2.6.3 Experimental Learning Children usually enjoy doing role plays and getting engaged in activities that are fun to do.

Therefore there can be activities introduced in planetariums that let children dress up like astronauts and pretend to go on a moon or say mars mission. This would let them experience a similar scenario and make them learn practical concepts easily through fun activites.Spaces for these activities can be created such that they replicate a similar environment at these satellites or planets. Adults can be given chances to experiment with the science concepts to understand them.

They must be given a clear idea that a person compulsorily need not have a physics background to understand astronomy. Astronomy is an experience that can be understood with a passage of time 12 | P a g e

through various activities. Even people who have a pretext of astronomy can also benefit from these activities since universe is infinite and there is always a lot to know about it.

2.7 Universal Design in Planetarium Specially-abled people are denied the privilege of participating in a unique educational experience because of their special problems. The installation of accessible exhibits, tactile explanations, hearing loops, step-free access, changing places toilet, sensory rooms and other accessibility guides are being include in recent developments of planetarium.

FIG 2.3 Accessibility guides in planetariums SOURCE: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/accessibility/#.X2IpcGgzZPY 2.7.1 In cases of muscular dystrophy or polio groups, there must be enough space in the planetarium to allow space for the wheel chairs and special braces. The planetariums can also be designed with provision of ramps. Roll-on roll-off lifts have been provided between the two floors of the exhibition in many planetariums for easy access.

2.7.2 For the visually impaired and blind people, advantages of sound systems can be taken. The Hemisferic planetarium at Valencia (Spain) has seven different speakers that are distributed over the 24mdiameter spheric screen lets the visitors identify the direction from which the sound is arriving. Each constellation and special star has a specific sound associated to it.

FIG 2.4 Tactile sphere with Constellation for visually impare SOURCE: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/accessibility/

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The vistors can locate the constellation in the sky towards the direction from which they hear the sound. Guides in the planetarium explain the concept of universe through a tactile sphere (Fig. 2.4), which has the drawings of the constellations engraved on it, the stars and the paths of constellation can be felt with patterns raised in different levels.

2.7.3 While speaking to mentally retarded groups which occasionally visit the planetarium, a simplified presentation must be given in order to make the sky show easily comprehensible. If some knowledge of the intelligence level of the class is obtained beforehand, the talk can then be patterned according to the capabilities and interests of the particular group.

Whatever their disabilities may be, all handicapped persons can benefit both socially and educationally from a special planetarium lecture. We are helping these groups toward better understanding of the beauty and power of the universe by providing them an opportunity to experience a planetarium presentation.

2.8 Presentation techniques and special effects A planetarium is itself a remarkable instrument with which it is possible to recreate the appearance and motion of the heavens. However, the impact of the planetarium can be greatly enhanced by different methods of presentation and the use of special effect techniques. Music and laser shows can be introduced in planetariums to make the experience more exciting. From the research paper, ‘Design principle of the exhibition project based on user research of planetarium’ whose authors are Xinxiong liu, Wensi li, Xuan li, Wenqi cao ,following conclusions have been drawn, the planetarium can simply utilize the mental quality of the general population, lead galactic occasions for the open interests, and promote the cosmic information. Before the show venture structure, the planetarium improvement arranging ought to be worked out, to advance the planetarium's turn of events and development. It's without a doubt critical to accentuation on experience and cooperation between the guest and the show for the structure and development of the planetarium. We should utilize fundamental structure standards like shading semantics, feel, ergonomics, plan brain science and different subjects artificially to plan and plan the presentation undertaking of planetarium sensibly and logically, to meet the open stylish mental, and passionate need.

2.8.1

Sound effects in the planetarium

There is no doubt that a good sound system can add tremendously to the effectiveness of planetarium programs, but there is room for discussion about the appropriateness of its use in certain areas. It is unnecessary to point out that music is a great mood-setter and can begin its work at the very beginning of a planetarium program. A few minutes of music before a program 14 | P a g e

starts can make the waiting period more pleasant for the adults and seems to hold back the restlessness of the children. From the research paper ‘Sonifying the solar system for a planetarium’ by Michael Quinton, following findings can be used while designing future planetariums that would qualify the 'design for all' category. 

Sound is a productive and viable method of breaking down information and we can hear layers of sounds all the while and effectively cause qualifications when changes to happen.



Sound can be a device for a route in a fixed picture as it depicts the development and offers spatiality.



By building the model for the solar system it is conceivable to construct further sonifications for exoplanetary frameworks. This is a broad field brimming with information and sonification will be a method for making this information more reasonable and more substantial.

2.8.2

Development and use of auxiliary devices in the planetarium

Auxiliary projection devices can contribute greatly to a planetarian demonstration. Some devices may only lend a bit more drama to the performance, such as a sunrise or sunset, while others are as value as teaching aids such as a projector model of Cepheid variable or the appearance of a nova. From the research paper, ‘Planetarium of the future ‘ whose author is Ed lantz ,we can conclude that use of more noteworthy tactile realism, high outline rates, spatialized audio, live activity vivid film, and digital domes proficiently would result in a superior continuous engagement of people in planetariums.

2.8.3

Use of black light in the planetarium

Nowadays it is used in industry, crime investigation, advertising and as a ornamental medium of many uses. The armed forces are using it extensively in their various training programs. As a visual teaching aid, it has numerous applications. In the museum and planetarium field the importance of black light as a dramatic medium for use in astronomical and different natural science exhibits has rarely been explored except by a few artists and technicians. Fluorescent painting has been not used practically in the past, it has been just the use of pure colors which lack the sense of light and shade. Many expensive and huge mistakes have been made in the use of this medium because it has fallen into wrong hands. Most of the use has been experimentation and there is quite less data available on fluorescent painting. In all astronomical paintings the artist has always been limited by his medium, since the conventional pigments are incapable of duplicating light (Fig 2.5). They lack potency and translucency. Therefore they are a poor representation of imitation of nature's radiance. The "black light" produced when fluorescent pigments are exposed to ultraviolet radiation lends dramatic intensity and translucency to planetarium exhibits (Fig 2.6).

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FIG 2.5: Artists painting

Fig 2.6: Fluorescent paintings

manually

with the use of black light

SOURCE: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/black-light-gallery-planetarium 2.9 Public engagement Astronomy is often taken as a serious science topic by the general public. The entertainment aspect of planetariums is usually ignored.They find it difficult to understand astronomical concepts and thus do not seem attracted to it. If they are provided a platform where they can experiment, enjoy and learn science that too with a professional assistance of specialists in this field, the audience count would experience an escalation. Therefore mass gatherings must be organized that can either be in an enclosed area or under natural sky where people of different age groups and categories would meet to have a soothing and fun experience of astronomical phenomena. This would further make people visit the planetariums to experience a detailed version of universe.

From the research paper named ‘Engaging the public of Rome in a cultural repossession of the urban sky’ written by Stefano Giovanardi, Gabriele Catanzaro, Giangiacomo Gandolfi, and Gianluca Masi, following activities can be studied and taken into account while working on planetariums 

Organizing outdoor events like stargazing to enhance the connection between people and nature.



Involvement of the general public and astronomers to improve the experience of these organized activities.

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The literature study was done through various international conferences held on planetariums and research papers written by astrophysics authors and specialists. It helped to develop background information of the central argument of this dissertation that is the ‘Enhancement of cognitive learning and user experience in planetariums’. In this chapter various organizations on national and international level that deal with science museums and planetariums were discussed. A detailed explanation about technological advancements in various fields was conferred. The research that has already been done in this field was analyzed and potential areas for further research were pointed out.

Inferences obtained from these studies would help to acquire necessary information about planetariums and areas of further improvement. Further to facilitate this, case studies selected from different locations (local, national, international) would be discussed to know the existing conditions of planetariums around world. Inferences based on the potential study areas that are educational aspect, user experience, technological advancement and design guidelines would be taken and used for future research.

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CHAPTER 3 3. CASE STUDIES 3.1 DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL STUDY AREAS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN CHOSEN CASE STUDIES 3.1.1 Educational aspect Educating young, adults and old-aged in the field of science and astronomy is the primary aim of planetariums. The planetariums1 must also act as an institution that lets the graduates and undergraduates learn more about astronomical field, act as a communicating channel between general audience and astronomy. People do not know much about space since there is lot to discover. Therefore a lot about astronomy needs to be communicated to public. This is one of the basic aspects that a planetarium must fulfill. All the planetariums that would be discussed in this section help people to gain knowledge either through entertainment or informative sessions.

3.1.2 User-experience The end-user experience is most important for any building. A design turns up to be successful only if it compliments user needs. A planetarium is a place that affects the minds of people.

Therefore it is important to design the planetarium as per user needs. Indira Gandhi Planetarium has been selected to analyze the shortcomings of user experience and further work on it. Hayden planetarium and Alder planetarium have been chosen to analyze the facilities that can improve the experience of visitors.

3.1.3 Technological advancements Technology can be used as an aid to improve the overall experience of visitors. Various innovations have proven to be beneficial in enhancing the overall user-experience of people. The equipments also need to be updated regularly in order to cope up with technology advancement.

Lighting and sound also play major role in planetariums. In current times high definition sound quality must be maintained and innovative lightings options must be experimented. Birla planetarium in India has one of the latest technological developments in the country.

3.1.4 Design guidelines Certain standards have been set by various planetarium organizations and now many other design guidelines are being introduced for improvement in existing conditions. As already discussed planetariums are thought to be monotonous spaces and does do not attract a large audience.

Therefore planetariums need to be designed such that they generate interest among public and encourage them to visit it. L’hemisphere has been chosen to study the construction procedure and concept of design.

The Birla Planetarium, Alder planetarium and Hayden planetarium have been selected to study the construction material and techniques used in making the planetarium.

3.1.5 Universal Design Planetariums are places that are visited by all age groups and all types of people. A person should not be discarded from this experience just because of his/her physical or mental disabilities.

Therefore a planetarium needs to be designed for all and easily accessible. Winchester planetarium is one such planetarium that has been designed especially for the impaired and physically disabled people.

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3.2 INDIRA GANDHI PLANETARIUM, LUCKNOW(Local case study) 3.2.1 Overview Indira Gandhi Planetarium is located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. It has a 21 meter diameter dome. This planetarium has been designed in the shape of Saturn along with its rings surrounding it. A water body in a concentric circular form surrounds the building which makes it look like a body floating in space.

FIG 3.1 INDIRA GANDHI PLANETARIUM, LUCKNOW SOURCE: https://archnet.org/sites 3.2.1 Accessibility The planetarium lies in the main city and is well connected through metro routes and other public transport facilities. The planetarium has lifts, ramps for the specially abled and old-age people.

3.2.2 Architectural details The planetarium has a circular circulation path. The ground floor has exhibit spaces and the projection room is on the first floor. The seating is provided in circular layout. The first floor also has admin rooms.

FIG 3.2 FIRST FLOOR ZONING SOURCE: https://archnet.org/sites

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DOME

SATURN RINGS

FIG 3.3 REAR ELEVATION SOURCE: https://archnet.org/sites 3.2.3 User experience The planetarium has monotonous exhibit galleries and does not tend to interest a visitor. The shows available are repetitive and outdated. The planetarium fails to develop a connection between user and universe.

3.2.4 Technological aspect The planetarium had a Japanese projector installed which was latest and powerful at its time, but now this has become outdated and needs to be updated.

3.2.5 Mobile unit There are three mobile units of this planetarium that are used for school fairs. They travel regularly to countryside schools to educate the children about astronomy.

3.3 Birla Planetarium, Chennai(National case study) 3.3.1 Overview Birla planetarium is located in Chennai, India. It has 8 galleries namely Physical Science, Electronics and Communication, Energy, Life Science, Innovation, Transport, International Dolls and Children and Materials Science.

1

FIG 3.4 BIRLA PLANETARIUM, CHENNAI SOURCE: https://in.pinterest.com/ 20 | P a g e

FIG3.5 SPACE ROCKET MODEL

3.3.2 Accessibility The railway station and bus stop are located at maximum 2 kilometers from the planetarium.

3.3.3 Architectural Details The planetarium has a circumferential hall of fame around the main theatre which consists of portraits, photographs of scientists, celestial bodies and space mission.

The hemispherical inner dome of the planetarium is made of aluminium, 3.3.4 Technological aspect The planetarium has a versatile opto-mechanical GOTO GM II starfield projector, an accompanying special-effects projector and an X-Y table system for simulating various celestial phenomena. The GM II projector has the provision to execute the diurnal, annual, latitudinal and precessional motions. A 6-segment multimedia projection system has also been introduced.

The 360 degree sky theatre has been introduced with the help of Wrap software.

3.4 ALDER PLANETARIUM, CHICAGO(International case study) 3.4.1 Overview This planetarium has been constructed at the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the finest planetariums in the United States since it fulfills the basic parameter that is the user experience. It has attractive galleries that have been designed in such a way that it creates a surprise element and interests the visitors.

FIG 3.6 ADLER PLANETARIUM AERIAL VIEW SOURCE: https://www.chicago.gov/ 3.4.2 Accessibility The planetarium can be accessed through public transit as well as personal vehicle.

3.4.3 Architectural details Circulation The circulation of this building is circular and radial following the shape of dome. The other spaces are quite complex but the presence of signage make it easier to navigate.

Construction materials The building has a dodecagonal base structure of rainbow granite with a lead covering as topping.

The dome is made of perforated aluminium panels suspended from the ceiling and adjacent walls.

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FIG 3.7 ZONING DIAGRAMS OF VARIOUS FLOORS OF PLANETARIUM SOURCE: https://issuu.com/ldunnex01/docs/final_bookk Lighting and colour Natural lighting is the primary source of lighting within the facility. Artificial lighting has been provided or special exhibits.

Welcome Gallery space is lit with the use of backlighting and projection.

Cool toned colours that are connected with the universe have been used in the facility.

Services The building is HVAC controlled. It also has an underground parking available for the visitors.

FIG 3.8 USE OF COOL TONED COLOURS IN GALLERIES SOURCE: https://in.pinterest.com/ 3.4.4 Community Design lab In this section of the planetarium, visitors can have hands-on experience and learn science concepts by experimenting. Various methods like drawing, painting, game activities, space missions are used to interpret or form an image of one’s own unique personal connection to universe.

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3.4.5 Chicago Night sky Exhibitions This feature of the planetarium uses digital interactive technology to create constellations in the sky. Lighting design is also experimented in the planetarium to analyze better lighting.

3.4.6 Space Visualization Labs The space visualization lab(SVL) is a space of the planetarium where SVL assistants ensure the high-quality experience of the visitors by research and making the projects of planetarium accessible to people. Scientists, technicians and educators work together in this laboratory to find new ways for people to explore the universe.

The galleries that lead to the projection rooms have been designed that induce an element of surprise for the visitors. The pathways have been made captivating with the application of light and colours.

FIG 3.9 GALLERIES SOURCE: https://www.theactivetimes.com/ The Atwood Sphere is an enclosed space where the visitors can look at the night sky of Chicago. It was originally called as Atwood Celestial Sphere designed by Dr. Wallace Atwood, an American geographer, and geologist.The diameter of the dome is 5 metres and it has 692 holes which are drilled into its metal surface. The light enters through these holes which show the position of brightest stars in the night sky.

FIG 3.10 ATWOOD SPHERE SOURCE: https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/explore/exhibits/

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3.5 HAYDEN PLANETARIUM, NEW YORK(International case study) 3.5.1 Overview This planetarium is located in the upper half of Rose Centre for Earth and Space in New York, USA. The planetarium has a walkway that showcases the timeline of Universe from Big Bang to present. At the bottom of Cosmic pathway, visitors can stop to take a look on exhibits of geology, weather in the Hall of Planet Earth.

FIG 3.11 HIGH GLASS CUBE ENCLOSING THE SPHERE SOURCE: https://www.amnh.org/

FIG 3.12 THE HAYDEN SPHERE SOURCE: https://www.amnh.org/

3.5.2 Accessibility The planetarium has a well defined public transit connectivity. The bus routes and trains can be used by visitors to reach the planetarium.

3.5.3 Architectural details The planetarium building has 5 floors. The planetarium spaces are located on first three floors and the other floor levels have archaeological exhibits. The ground floor of the building has a parking on the lower level which is accessed from first floor. It has a food court, school lunchrooms and a shopping facility. There is the black hole theatre on this floor. The first floor has exhibits spaces for meteorites and a cosmic pathway. The second floor has the Hayden Big Bang theatre.

FIG 3.13 COSMIC PATHWAY SOURCE: https://www.amnh.org/ 24 | P a g e

FIG 3.14 LOWER LEVEL FLOOR PLAN

FIG 3.15 FIRST FLOOR PLAN SOURCE: https://www.amnh.org/

FIG 3.16 SECOND FLOOR PLAN

3.5.4 Universal design The planetarium is wheelchair accessible. It has ramps provided in the exhibit spaces that are easily accessible by all types of people. The shows also have caption devices that help the impaired people to experience universe. Show translations are available in various languages that make it accessible for people from different cultures. It is wheelchair accessible and has no obstructions such as turnstiles or steps that would hinder any specially-abled person.

FIG 3.17 COSMIC PATHWAY AROUND EXHIBITS SOURCE: SOURCE: https://www.amnh.org/

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3.5.5 Social and Environment stability The planetarium also has a open green space attached to it. This develops a sense of connection between the indoor and outdoor space. The green open space adds a contrast to the planetarium in spatial context .

3.6 L’HEMISPHERIC, SPAIN (International case study) 3.6.1 Overview The concept of the planetarium is based on an eye. It compares the wide range of wisdom that an eye sees to the wisdom and information that a planetarium offers. It has been designed in a way that the eye is seen closing and opening. There is also a pond around the eye shaped building in which the reflection of the building is formed. This creates a mesmerizing view for the visitors especially at nights due to the application of light.

FIG 3.18 SKETCH OF DESIGN CONCEPT

FIG 3.19 CONCEPTUAL SKETCH OF BUILDING FORM SOURCE: https://www.idesignarch.com/lhemisferic-an-eye-catching-architectural-masterpiecein-valencia/ 3.6.2 Accessibility The planetarium building is well connected through bus and metro routes. The nearest metro station is 15 minutes away from the planetarium.

3.6.3 Façade and Landscaping The landscaping of the planetarium has a water body in it which surrounds it. The entrance walkway is lit with the use of artificial lighting which gives it a grand look.

FIG 3.20 VIEW DURING DAYTIME

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FIG 3.21 VIEW DURING NIGHT

SWOOPING ANCHOR BRISE-SOLIEL The eye, brise-soliel and swooping anchor are the three main elements of the structure. The brise-soliel serves as a sunshade for the building.

It is lifted hydraulically up by telescoping cylinders. The half dome is 110 meters and 55.5 meters wide.

FIG 3.22 THE GRAND ENTRANCE WALKWAY SOURCE: https://www.idesignarch.com/lhemisferic-an-eye-catching-architectural-masterpiecein-valencia/ 3.6.4 Architectural details Circulation CIRCULATION PATTERN the

The circulation is circular around dome and quite easy to navigate.

FIG 3.23 CIRCULATION PATTERN Construction materials The main construction materials are concrete and steel framed glass curtain walls. The metallic covering consists of five arches that are supported on tripods. The arches are connected through laminated beams. The shutter built to represent the closing of the eye is made out of expanded aluminium sheets that fold upward to form a roof that opens along the curved axis of eye.

Lighting and colour The natural lighting is the primary source of lighting because of large windows and artificial lighting is used in spaces that do not have adequate lighting.

White is the primary color throughout the facility. During the day, the water pond has reflections on it and lights at the night project colours on the building.

Services There is an underground parking facility provided. The planetarium campus also has a cafeteria where visitors can relax and eat. It also has a shopping section where astronomical souvenirs are available for sale. The building is HVAC controlled.

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The planetarium is approached through a rectangular entrance. The dome is situated at the centre of the planetarium which is surrounded by the private space or circulation area in the shape of an eye. The private space has admin office and other support facilities for visitors. The dome is 24m in diameter.

FIG 3.24 ZONING DIAGRAM OF PLANETARIUM SOURCE: https://issuu.com/ldunnex01/docs/final_bookk 3.7 Winchester Planetarium (International case study) 3.7.1 Overview Winchester Science Centre is an accessible planetarium for all who passionately believe in science. It focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) for young people and their families, especially those with disabilities and impairments. It works on how science can improve lives. It is currently working to make the Science Centre and Planetarium as accessible, inclusive and a design for all building.

FIG 3.25 WINCHESTER PLANETARIUM SOURCE: https://www.expedia.com/pictures/city-of-winchester/winchester.d5477

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3.7.2 Invention Studio The invention studio is open on weekends and school holidays for students and other people to come and explore science through experiments and science themed challenges. These studios have different activities through which people can learn about astronomical phenomena, space missions and other science concepts.

3.7.3 Universal Design The shows have been designed especially for old-age people keeping in mind their perspective and accessibility. Changing rooms are wheelchair accessible. Special tactile objects have been designed to help blind people also feel the experience of outer space. The ‘After Dark’ events have been designed for the adults. The projection rooms have spaces that have been dedicated for wheelchair users. Space is also provided to accommodate wheelchairs if the users want to transfer on the seats.

The planetarium also has quiet hour shows that are dedicated to people who want to experience the astronomical phenomena in absolute silence. This show includes adjustments such as controlling lights, sound and moving freely around the area, being able to sit wherever one likes.

There are specific shows that are available with subtitles.

FIG 3.26 QUIET HOUR STUDIO SOURCE: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/ Wheelchair accessible toilets are provided on each floor.

Changing places toilet is on lower floor.

FIG 3.27 CHANGING ROOMS FOR SPECIALLY-ABLED SOURCE: https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/

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3.8

COMPARATIVE PARAMETERS

CHART

OF CASE

Planetariums: Indira Gandhi Birla Planeatrium Planeatrium

STUDIES

BASED ON

L’Hemispheric Hayden Planeatrium

FOLLOWING

Adler Planetarium

Parameters Location

Lucknow,India

Site area

12000sqm

Dome diameter

21m

Chennai,India New York,USA

15m

Valencia,Spain

Chicago,US A

30,980 sqm

13,000 m²

12727.7 sqm

27m

24m

20.7m

IMAX

Spitz NanoSeam



Universal Design



Digital Dome



Mobile



Facade

Saturn Rings

Dome strructure

Eye- shaped six-story high glass Structure cube surrounded by water body

Dome structure located at shore

Seats

168

236

429

370

Projector

Japanese

6-segment multimedia projector

Zeiss Mark IX Star Projector

Cost

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

Full dome mirror projection system

6.4 million rupees

306

8K fulldome digital

Spanish peseta 4 000 000 000

3.9 INFERENCES BASED ON ABOVE DISCUSSION 3.9.1 Educational Aspect  The Indira Gandhi planetarium proves to be successful planetarium in terms of education, since its mobile units travel to countryside schools to educated primary and secondary grade students.  The Adler planetarium has the best features for educating people, among all the planetariums.

It educates people through experimental learning which is said to be the most appropriate mode of learning. The planetarium aims at practical and hands-on experience rather than theoretical learning. It lets people experiment, make mistakes and discover the scientific concepts themselves.  The planetarium also has learning and intern programs. These programs are beneficial to engage the youth in astronomy and encourage them to pursue career in astronomical field.

The planetarium’s capability to make people concerned about questioning “why” rather than “what” is an excellent approach.  The Winchester planetarium has distinctive learning aids that help different categories of people to learn. This approach of the planetarium helps different group of people to acquire knowledge of astronomical science in innovative ways.

3.9.2 User Experience  The features of Adler planetarium are catchy, distinctive and advanced. The community design lab which gives an opportunity to the young and adults to learn by experiments. This is one of the best methods to educate the minds of people effectively. The creative spaces designed in the planetarium are an excellent takeaway.  The user needs to develop a connection with the universe when they visit the planetarium. To ensure this it is important to create a similar environment as astronomical space.

3.9.3 Technological aspect  Birla planetarium has an advanced six-segment multimedia projector and X-Y table system. It helps to project clearer images of celestial bodies and thus let visitors understand better.  The Adler planetarium shows a good use of backlighting and projection system for the exhibits. The artificial lighting has been well used in planetarium.  The Indira Gandhi planetarium has outdated technology equipments which hinders the user experience of visitors. A failed technological development can be harmful for the enhancement of target audience in planetariums. It fails at attracting a large audience even being located at a densely populated area.

3.9.4 Design guidelines  The site planning, façade treatment and overall appearance of the L’hemispheric contributes in accelerating the footfall at the planetarium. The grand entrance, light application and façade make the planetarium a destination worth visiting. The water around the structure gives it a look of astronomical space.  The exterior look of the planetarium must be planned in a way that it creates an exceptional excitement in people and urge them to visit it.

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 

The space must also be designed with necessary amenities so that the visitors do not face difficulties.

There must be a provision of open space (if the site permits) so that outdoor activities like stargazing can be promoted.

3.9.5 Universal Design  Hayden planetarium and Winchester planetarium have been designed for all. They have spaces accessible by all. It lets people with different disabilities and impairments experience the similar visual adventures that normal people do. It is user-friendly.  The shows in the planetarium can be designed for a specific range of people who face a kind of difficulty in coping with the usual shows.  The spaces inside the planetarium need to be wheelchair accessible and contain minimum obstruction.

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CHAPTER 4 4. DISCUSSION, PROPOSAL OF POLICIES AND CONCLUSION 4.1 Evaluation of limitations identified in the study Variety of crowd: Planetarium is a building that has a variant audience. People of all age groups, cultures and various other categories visit the planetarium. Therefore the overall designing of the planetarium needs to be done keeping in mind all possible categories of people.

Variety of spaces: Planetarium has various categories of spaces in it. It has classrooms, interactive spaces, theatres, cafes, audio-visual rooms and various research labs. This creates a challenge for the designer to accommodate these contrasting spaces under one roof such that one compliments the other.

Evolution of technology: Technology around the world is getting evolved at an exponential rate.

Everyday a new innovation takes place in the field of lighting and sound. Therefore the planetariums always require an update of technology which is practically difficult. Planetariums fail to have an updated technology which leads to degradation of user-experience.

Perceptions: People do not find planetariums a space that can offer them entertainment as well as education. The pre-assumptions in the minds of people needs to be targeted and they must be given a new perspective of the planetarium spaces. The planetarium and astronomical arenas also need to be publicized among the youth and its advantages must be communicated to them in order to attract a larger audience.

4.2 Recommendation for policies, standards and requirements based on different parameters 4.2.1 Ergonomics and Anthropometry Varying ages of the users in the planetarium makes it important to analyse the different limitations of each category of people. An old-age person and a 6th grade student will have different capabilities.

The seating of the theatre and any additional facility must be planned in a way that it facilitates the comfort of the user.

FIG 4.1 SEATING IN PLANETARIUM DOME SOURCE: https://issuu.com/ldunnex01/docs/final_bookk

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Signage: Planetarium is a building of varying spaces. There needs to be a well-defined signage facility in the premises so that the users of all category be it old-aged or kids can access different spaces in the planetarium easily. Special focus must be kept on the heights and terminology of the signage. The circulation path needs to be unobvious as well as easily accessible. Enough attention must be given to the assistance provided to the users for moving in and around the space without any difficulty.

FIG 4.2 SIGNAGE FOR SPECIALLY

FIG 4.3 ACCESS RAMP OUTSIDE THE FACILITY

ABLED SOURCE: https://www.worldbank.org/ 4.2.2 Senses as a key element Planetarium is a destination that offers learning through senses. It is all about an exceptional experience. Therefore light, sound and tactility are the features of the planetarium that needs to be worked on.

Light: It can be used in the planetarium as artificial as well as natural. The fully enclosed spaces like dome, audio-visual rooms must be equipped with artificial lighting whereas exhibits can use natural lighting.

Sound: Sound proofing must be done to avoid disturbance in adjoining spaces. Sound masking proves to be beneficial in this type of building where soothing environment is a need.

4.2.3 Facade treatment The facade of the planetarium must be such that it attracts a larger section of society. This can be done if the building resembles the exceptional experience that it would eventually offers when a user visits it. The outer building materials must be chosen wisely and light can be used as a key element. The application of light can help the building look attractive and persuade people to visit it. It will also be visible to people from a far away distance.

4.2.4 Designing of galleries and other spaces inside planetarium The present day galleries or circulation paths in the planetarium are quite monotonous. They lack to develop a factor of interest among the users. The circulation paths and the spaces inside a planetarium can be designed with tactile sensitivity so that when the users enter it, they find it easy to connect with the outer space. The surface texture of the celestial bodies can be resembled into the walls of the spaces inside the planetarium. Various phenomena of the universe can be replicated in the spaces with the application of light, sound and texture to offer the visitors a real-time experience.

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4.2.5 Quantitative and Qualitative standards Cities have been divided into Tier1, Tier2, and Tier3 according to HRA classification. Tier 1 has 6 cities; Tier2 has 97 cities and rest lie in tier3. The different grades of cities have different requirements that are based on their location, population density, and demographic composition.Tier 1 and 2 cities have different requirements of spaces in a planetarium that have provided by Ministry of Culture in India and tier 3 cities generally have mobile units of planetarium that are used for schools.

Comparative chart of basic requirements of planetarium for three grades of cities in India MINIMUM

TIER1

TIER2

TIER3

SITE AREA

25 ACRES

5 ACRES

-

SEATS

350

230

100

DOME DIAMETER

15-25 METERS

8-12 METERS

4-10 METERS

MOBILE UNIT





AS A MAIN UNIT

ESTIMATED COST

14 CRORE

5 CRORE

7.5 LACS

REQUIREMENTS

Comparative chart of space requirements in planetarium

SPACES

CIRCULATION

ENTRY/EXIT

AREA

THERMAL

(MIN)

COMFORT

30-40% OF TOTAL AREA

HVAC/

3000 MM WIDE

LOBBY

3000 MM WIDE

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PROXIMICIES

PRIVACY

FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

N/A

N/A

WAYFINDING

LOBBY,

N/A

WALF-OFF MATS,SECURI TY

N/A

SEATING

AIR CIRCULATI ON SHADING/ AIR CIRCULATI ON SHADING/ HVAC

INFORMATION DESK INFORMATION DESK, STORAGE AREA, EXHIBITS, OTHER ROOMS AND LABS

INFORMATION DESK

50 SQM

PERSONAL IZED AIR CONDITIO NING

LOBBY, STORAGE AREA

ACOUSTI CAL/

FILING, STORAGE

VISUAL

STORAGE AREA

DEPEN DS ON OCCUP ANCY

AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY, INFORMATION DESK

VISUAL

LOCKERS,SEC URITY

PARKING

DEPEN DS ON OCCUP ANCY

AIR CIRCULATI ON

ENTRY

N/A

SECURITY

PLANETARIUM DOME

DOME DIAME TER

HVAC

LOBBY

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SEATING, SCREEN, SPEAKERS, PROJECTION SYSTEM

DOME CONTROL ROOM

20 SQM

HVAC

PLANETARIUM ROOM

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

COMPUTERS

EXHIBITS

230 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY

N/A

DISPLAY ITEMS

SENSITIVE LABS

150 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY

ACOUSTI CAL/

EQUIPMENTS DESIGNED FOR SPECIALLYABLED

VISUAL

AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM

120 SQM

HVAC

LOBBY

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SEATING, SCREEN, SPEAKERS

COMMUNITY DESIGN LAB

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120 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

YOUNG EXPLORERS LAB

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

TO BE DECIDED

YOUNG EXPLORERS LAB

120 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

COMMUNTIY DESIGN LAB

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

TO BE DECIDED

INTERACTIVE

120 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

YOUNG EXPLORER LAB

N/A

SEATING

LIBRARY

120 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

OTHER LABS

ACOUSTI CAL

SEATING,INF ORMATION RESOURCES

CAFETERIA

70 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY, RESTROOM

N/A

SEATING

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

25 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY,CAFETERI A, STORAGE

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SANITARY FITTINGS AND FIXTURES

ADMIN OFFICE

48 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY, ADMIN RESTOOM, ADMIN LOUNGE

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SEATING,CO MPUTERS

ADMIN LOUNGE

25 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

ADMIN OFFICE, ADMIN RESTROOM

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SEATING

ADMIN RESTROOMS

13 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

ADMIN OFFICE, ADMIN LOUNGE

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

SANITARY FITTINGS AND FIXTURES

MECHANICAL ROOM

25 SQM

N/A

ELECTRICAL, JANITOR

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

MECHANICAL

ELECTRICAL ROOM

10 SQM

MECHANICAL, JANITOR

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU AL

ELECTRICAL

LABS

N/A

EQUIPMENTS

EQUIPMENTS

JANITOR ROOM

10 SQM

N/A

RESTROOM

VISUAL

STORAGE AND SINKS

LIFTS

1.5 SQM

HVAC

LOBBY,OTHER SERVICES

ACOUSTI CAL/VISU

N/A

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AL STAIRCASE

4.5 SQM

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY, OTHER SERVICES

N/A

N/A

RAMPS

0.9 M

HVAC/AIR CIRCULATI ON

LOBBY, ENTRANCE, EXIT

N/A

N/A

WIDE

4.3 A clear understanding of the central argument (parameters) of the dissertation The preliminary assumption of planetarium gets an eye-opener in the form of this dissertation. It helps to understand almost all the requirements in terms of architecture. During this we have also studied the psychological thinking process of user and their connection to enter the universe. Various innovations are possible in technological fields and ideas can be discovered through which people can be educated well about astronomy. Certain requirements, policies and standards have been listed in the prior section that can be directly used while designing a planetarium or any other astronomical arena. This also gives a clear idea of how experimental learning can contribute to better understanding of people. Different senses can be targeted to bring out the best experience of users in this arena.

4.3.1 Education The planetarium tends to offer knowledge of scientific concepts related to astronomy through handson activities, audio-visual experience and interactive sessions that conventional classrooms fail to some extent.

4.3.2 User Experience Psychological studies and researches claim that interaction with nature can have constructive effects on mental and physical health. Planetariums are spaces which give a platform to people to witness the experience close enough to astronomical space. The spaces inside a planetarium must be interactive, easy to access and engrossing. A user when visiting a planetarium must feel a cut off from the everyday general routine and tend to travel into a fascinating world of stars and other celestial bodies where they can relax 4.4 Contribution of this dissertation to the existing information in the field of planetariums and science centers This particular dissertation compiles all the existing data on planetariums from research papers, existing planetarium websites, articles, conference handbooks and other internet handles. It not only presents the factual data but also contains the analyzing of data on various parameters. The dissertation has narrowed down the important parameters that need to be studied while designing a planetarium. Best planetariums around the world and also the ones with failures have been studied to bring out the strengths and limitations based on various parameters. Comparative charts have been made for better understanding of parameters. Policies and recommendations of designing have also been provided that would lead to a better design of planetarium.

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Future research potential in this field An extensive research has already been done in this field. This field requires updated technology and new methods of educating people. Any further research in technology including light and sound quality enhancement would eventually add knowledge to this field.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Accessibility_ Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium. https://www.winchestersciencecentre.org/accessibility/#.X5rsMogzZPZ. Adler Planetarium. https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/.

Dan Snow, Thomas W. Vote, Claudia Robinson, Raymond J. Stein, John C. Rosemergy. “Planetaria nd their use for education.” Cranbrook Institute of Science. Michigan, 1958. 55-199.

Eye- inspired architecture. https://www.focusclinics.com/blog/eye-inspired-architecture-lhemisferic.

Gulen, Salih. Determination of the effect of the planetarium activities on the student. European Journal of Education Studies, 2018.

Hayden Planetarium. https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/hayden-planetarium.

Indira Gandhi Planetarium. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/indira-gandhi-planetarium.

L’Hemisfèric: An Eye-Catching Architectural Masterpiece In Valencia. https://www.idesignarch.com/lhemisferic-an-eye-catching-architectural-masterpiece-in-valencia/.

Lantz, Ed. “Planetarium of the Future.” The Museum Journal (Curator, The museum Journal), 2011.

“Planetarium Domes.” https://www.eplanetarium.com/domes.php.

Quinton, Michael. Sonifying the Solar system for a Planetarium. Edinburgh Napier University, 2015.

Stefano Giovanardi, Gabriele Catanzaro, Giangiacomo Gandolf and Gianluca Masi. Engaging the public of Rome in a cultural repossession of the urban sky. Mediterranean Archaeology and Archaeometry, 2018.

Xinxiong Liu, Wensi Li, Xuan Li, Wenqi Cao. Design Principle of the Exhibition project based on user research of planetarium. Internaitonal Symposium on Knowledge Aquisition and Modelling, 2015.

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