City Of Stars

City Of Stars Thomas Parry Year 3 Unit 2

History of Adaptation

The Consolidated Heritage of Greenwich Observatory

Contemporary Issues of Astronomy

Origins of the Observatory

City Light Pollution

Aiding sea travel and exploration through the study of astronomy, the Royal Observatory was built on the ruins of Greenwich Castle, due to its existing foundations, high ground and proximity to the Thames.

Due to the growing emission of artificial light pollution caused by the city’s growth, stargazing in London has been significantly harmed, with little to no star light visible at night.

The Observatory in Use

Community Engagement

The observatory underwent many various expansions and improvements through its life of use, becoming well established as the global lead in positional astronomy, with numerous discoveries and innovations.

As interest in astronomy has moved more towards the scientific and away from fantasy, general interest in stargazing and appreciation of star light has also diminished, with sites such as this no longer holding eminence.

The Repurposed Observatory

Relocation of Facilities

Issues with the Greenwich site were first identified in the 19th century, with increasing air and light pollution, resulting in the observatory being relocated and the site converted to museum and gallery spaces in 2007.

As cities have become less suited to astronomy, the relocation of scientific facilities has left historical observatories open to repurposing, albeit with a different focus that departs from the astronomy heritage.

Rise, Fall and Repurposing of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich The Royal Greenwich Observatory, contained within Greenwich Park, has the unique heritage as a leading site of astronomy for centuries.

In modern times, however, it has been forced into adaptation that has brought less of a focus on astronomy, as public interest has been lost while stars have become hidden by the city lights.

Brexit Regulations for the Greenwich Cultural Hub of Astronomy A set of goals and guidelines to transform London into a city hub celebrating its heritage in astronomy, centred around the iconic and historic Royal Greenwich Observatory.

These regulations aim to encourage the unity and betterment of the London community, once again placing London and Greenwich as the cultural centre of astronomy in Europe and the world.

The precedent set through this masterplanning potentially can serve as example to be replicated and branched to more cities across the UK and throughout Europe.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Creating the Perfect Night Sky

Cultivating Community Engagement.

Re-Establishing Greenwich Observatory’s Eminence

i. Light pollution is a key inhibitor of star visibility at night, thus requiring various solutions for covering, reducing and eliminating its presence in London, in the form of both large scale, extravagant interventions.

i. Building a stronger community culture through localised celebrations of regularly occurring festival-like events, contributing to the shared responsibility and enthusiasm in making London’s night sky starrier.

i. Developing the Royal Greenwich Observatory and Greenwich Park as the focal point for this city of astronomy, becoming a place of pilgrimage during celestial events, attracting visitors from across the world.

ii. Implicating methods for controlling weather (i.e. clouds) during celestial events to ensure clarity of the night sky, providing these are ethical and non-harmful to humans and the environment.

ii. The coordination of extravagant festival displays within local areas across Greenwich Borough, emphasising this as the centre of the astronomy city and encouraging this sentiment in the borough’s residents.

ii. While the existing observatory buildings themselves are to be preserved, the surrounding park area and, specifically, the panoramic view point are to be used to site new facilities for public star gazing and amateur astronomy.

iii. Emphasis on the importance of proposals in being sustainably implicated and operated, further contributing to improved quality of living and viability of the project.

iii. The application of small scale light pollution interventions, distributed throughout communities for them to take part in ceremonious occasions.

iii. Outside of celestial events the park should also allow for public use in the eduction of astronomy and celestial bodies, through monumental constructs other publicly accessible facilities.

p.4-31

London

1:500,000

Chapter Three p.55-134

p.32-54

Greenwich Borough

1:100,000

Masterplan Brief A brief of imagined regulations to promote London as a city that hosts unique astronomy centred festival events, intended to attempt to maintain London’s reputation as a cultural and economic hub of Europe, worthy of visiting in a post-Brexit world.

Greenwich Park

1:20,000

Chapter One

Creating the Perfect Night Sky The prevalent issue of light pollution is a key factor that has forced observatories across the UK and EU to relocate to more remote, rural areas, away from the cities and educational facilities that could benefit most from them.

By putting in place regulations, devices and proposals that aim to clear light pollution, the public interest in the night sky may return again and allow London and Greenwich to return to its heritage in astronomy.

Until a widespread culture against light pollution is fully grown, more abstract spectacles that bring attention back to the sky while reducing light pollution can be developed to gain public interest.

1.1

1.2

1.3

Conditions of Astronomy

Greenwich Light Pollution

Festival of Balloons

p.5-10

p.11-25

p.27-31

1.1

Conditions of Astronomy Researching into the general conditions that favour astronomy and have caused the abandonment of observatories in both the UK and EU to be located elsewhere.

Then focusing on the astronomical conditions of Greenwich, in regards to charting the movement of stars and the moon to create a timeline of celestial events to be celebrated throughout a year.

In developing this general understanding for the conditions required for astronomy, a more informed set of masterplan proposals can later be developed.

1. Jodrell Bank Observatory

2. Sherwood Observatory

Site - Part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. Located south of Manchester, apart from any major city or town to minimise light pollution and other adverse conditions. Due to its lack of altitude (77m) it is reliant on high powered telescopes to operate.

Site - An amateur astronomical observatory primarily consisting of a publicly operated dome housing a single telescope. Its location on the outskirts of a town in Nottinghamshire are less than ideal due to the persistent light pollution of the area.

Equipment - The Lovell Telescope here is the world’s third largest steerable telescope, which is distinct in its appearance from common telescopes, likening more to that of a satellite dish.

Equipment - A 0.61m telescope with motor control is the only major piece of equipment here. A workshop is also on site for maintenance of this and other minor astronomical instruments.

Public - The site is host to many public activities and events, such as interactive astronomy sessions and a planetarium.

Public - The observatory includes amateur astronomy society gathering and lectures that are open to the public.

3. Radcliffe Observatory

4. Mills Observatory

Site - A former observatory part of Oxford University, operational from 1773 to 1934. Although originally suitable for use, the persistent increase in light pollution, adverse weather, and lack of facilities for expansion forced the University to relocate the astronomical instruments to South Africa.

Site - The UK’s first purpose built public astronomical observatory in Dundee, topped by one of the two remaining papier-mâché domes in the UK. It is located one mile from the city centre at the apex of the public park, sharing similar conditions to that of the Greenwich Observatory.

Equipment - The instruments of the observatory were relocated for museum displays once the observatory was decommissioned.

Equipment - It houses multiple small telescopes, up to 0.4m, of various capacities. Most commonly used are refracting telescopes used for public displays.

Public - As the site is now part of University campus it does not have any significant public presence.

5. Norman Lockyer Observatory

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6

Public - The site is primarily used for public displays and activities, also including a domed planetarium.

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2

6. Airdrie Public Observatory

3 Observatories Site - Formerly operated by Exeter University, now publicly accessible, the observatory is located a mile outside of the closest town, Sidemouth. The atmosphere is usually free of air and light pollution and the air is also free of rising currents, due to its proximity to the sea.

Site - The smallest fully operational public observatory in the UK, located in the centre of Airdrie. The building itself functions primarily as a library with the observatory located in the roof dome. Due to its town location, conditions for astronomy here are generally poor.

Equipment - Containing a variety of telescopes, the observatory is used for both radio and optical astronomy, with meteorology and weather satellite facilities as well as various others.

Equipment - A single 0.15m telescope of Victorian origin is used here, more so as a historic piece than for scientific purposes.

Public - The South West Astronomy Fair is hosted here every year for public participation in astronomy events.

Public - Although a small site, it is freely accessible to the public as an extension of the library facilities.

Within a city/town City/Town outskirts Remote

5

Light Pollution

Observatories and Light Pollution in the UK In mapping the correlation of observatories in the UK it can be seen most are historically located in or near a city or town.

Due to increasingly adverse conditions, these observatories have often been converted for public use and relocated elsewhere.

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1. Sphinx Observatory

2. Haute-Provence Observatory

Site - Located on the Jungfraujoch in Switzerland and at an altitude of 3571m the Sphinx Observatory is the highest in Europe, albeit outside of the EU. Having been built in 1937 it is also one of the oldest modern observatories still in use.

Site - At a relatively low altitude of 650m, this site in France was chosen as an observatory for its consistency in favourable astronomical conditions, with an average of 60% of nights being suitable.

However it is also prone to being disrupted by strong, cold winds (Mistrals).

Equipment - As a scientific station the observatory contains a 76cm telescope with Cassegrain and Coudé focus which, combined with its height, allows further and clearer astronomical observations.

Equipment - The observatory itself contains multiple telescopes ranging from 0.8m to 1.93m, including the original 0.8m telescope from 1932 which is required to be pointed manual.

Public - The site is also accessible to the public, with a viewing deck for the scenic mountain range and star gazing at night.

Public - The site and observatory have no public accessible features.

3. Pic Du Midi Observatory

4. La Specola Observatory

Site - Atop the French Pyrenees mountain range at 2877m altitude is the observatory established in 1878, the second oldest modern observatory in the world. Its altitude, proximity to the Greenwich meridian and isolation from towns cities provides excellent conditions for astronomical observations.

Site - A former observatory turned museum housed within a 14th Century tower converted for astronomical use in 1767. Although perhaps suitable for use originally, the development of the surrounding city, Padua, has rendered the site unsuitable due to heavy light pollution.

Equipment - There are multiple telescopes from 0.55m to 2m for astronomical observations, alongside more specialised equipment for solar studies, such as a photoelectric chronometer.

Equipment - No operational telescopes or scientific equipment remain here since the observatory’s decommission in the 1930s.

Public - A museum is located within one of the domes of the observatory and smaller telescopes are available for amateur astronomer use.

Public - The tower is now open to the public as a museum housing frescoes of famous astronomers and antique astronomical instruments.

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4 1 2

5. Calar Alto Observatory

6. Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

5

Site - A series of dome structures housing telescopes on the Sierra de Los Filabres range in Spain, at an altitude of 2168m. The site’s height and sky clear of light pollution provides it with excellent conditions for astronomical observations.

Equipment - The largest mainland European telescope of 3.5m is located here, as well as four smaller telescopes ranging 0.8m to 2.2m.

Public - The site is also accessible to the public, with a viewing deck for the scenic mountain range and star gazing at night.

Site - On the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, this site is known to be the second best for optical and infrared astronomy within the Northern Hemisphere. The island’s near perfect conditions are host to various international contributions, including the Isaac Newton Telescope from the Royal Greenwich Observatory.

EU States

Equipment - Many telescopes and observatories are located on the island, including the 10.4m Grand Telescope Canarias which has the world’s largest single aperture.

Observatories

UK

Within a city/town

EU Members

City/Town outskirts

EU Candidates

Remote

Public - While guided tours are available, the island’s isolation discourages open public interaction and events.

EU Observatory Observations In comparative mapping of EU observatories, similar observations on active facilities being relocated to more remote locations.

These new locations are often situated far outside of city light pollution, on the heights of mountains or otherwise vast unbuilt spaces.

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Celestial Sphere The Earth’s celestial sphere, used to chart the positions of stars, is comprised of axis formed by the extension of the North and South Poles and equator into space.

Stars closer to the celestial poles appear to move in tighter circles in the sky compared to those near the celestial equator.

Over the courses of a month and a year the constellations perform cyclical rotation, changing gradually as they move westward over time with the Earth’s orbit of the Sun.

Spring Equinox - 20/03/2020 23:00

Summer Solstice - 20/06/2020 23:00

Autumn Equinox - 22/09/2020 23:00

Winter Solstice - 21/12/2020 23:00

N

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N

W

E

W

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S

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S

S

S

S

S

Winter Solstice - 21/12/2020 18:00

20:00

22:00

00:00

02:00

04:00

N

N

N

N

N

N

W

E

S

W

E

S

W

E

W

S

E

S

W

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S

The Celestial Sphere of Greenwich The progressive movement of constellations above Greenwich is constantly changing to the effect that any proposal would also need to provide adaptable facilities to follow this movement.

Rather than following this constantly shifting movement, a programme may better be suited to more regular cycles and celestial events, such as moon cycles.

W

E

S

Third Quarter Waning Crescent

Earth View from

Moon Phases

Waning Gibbous

During its revolution around the Sun, the Moon goes through eight key stages that change how it is seen from the Earth.

New

Full

Waxing Crescent

As the Moon moves in and out of alignment with the Sun and Earth, the amount of light reflected off its surface varies, creating different phases.

This light has the potential to illuminate the sky to such a degree as to reduce or prevent visibility of star light and constellations.

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

First Quarter

10/01/2020

09/02/2020

09/03/2020

08/04/2020

07/05/2020

05/06/2020

05/07/2020

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

W

E

W

E

New Moon

S

W

E

S

E

S

W

E

S

W

E

S

W

S

23/02/2020

24/03/2020

23/04/2020

22/05/2020

21/06/2020

N

N

N

N

N

N

W

E

W

Full Moon

W

E

E

W

E

S

S

W

E

S

W

E

S

S

03/08/2020

02/09/2020

01/10/2020

31/10/2020

30/11/2020

30/12/2020

N

N

N

N

N

N

W

E

W

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S

W

W

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S

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S

S

W

S

19/08/2020

17/09/2020

16/10/2020

15/11/2020

14/12/2020

N

N

N

N

N

N

E

S

W

E

S

W

E

S

W

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S

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S

20/07/2020

W

E

S

24/01/2020

S

New Moon

W

W

E

S

Moon Cycles The moon follows a regular 29.5 day cycle that transitions between full and new moons, providing a regular pattern for natural light to be utilised at night.

The south orientation also allows for the appearance of the moon to be obscured less so by the more prevalent city lights of Canary Wharf to the North.

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Equinox 22nd: September on 20th: Full Mo

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Celestial Events of 2021 Accounting for new and full moons, along with other rare celestial events, an astronomical calendar of 2021 would show 51 potentially visible events.

These events could be used to dictate a programme for Observatory proposals and events around Greenwich to follow, in order to encourage public engagement in encouraging astronomy.

Moon

April Lyrids M Supe

eteor S

rmoo

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May

n

hower

1.2

Greenwich Light Pollution Assessing the extent of light pollution present in the sky above Greenwich, which is vastly contributed to by the rest of London, most considerably by Canary Wharf.

By using the summit of Greenwich Park as a base point, artificial lighting from the city is so much so that the skyglow created prevents any starlight to be observed without equipment.

Any proposals for clearing light pollution would thus need to account for areas outside of Greenwich as well as those within.

Night Sky

City Lights

In London’s current state of light pollution, visibility of any constellations is considerably low. When coupled with cloudy weather conditions (as below) no starlight can be seen at all by the naked eye.

The view from Greenwich Observatory is presently a occupied by the illuminated cityscape of locations including Canary Wharf, Blackwall and the O2 Arena.

With the north facing direction of the view, the Moon is not visible most nights of the year - also having already set at the time of the photos - so is unlikely to be of significant concern in obscuring constellations.

The light conditions, present throughout the night, prevent any clear astronomical observations. The main contributors to this are the interior lightings from clusters of skyscrapers. The foreground buildings, however, are generally silhouetted and block some of the light.

The presence of the airport north of here also incurs distractions and light pollutants from the aircrafts traveling overhead.

However, the view also attracts small numbers of spectators each night - despite no features currently existing to facilitate this.

18/10/2020

18/10/2020

18:48

19:06

View from the approach

View from the Observatory’s summit

Summit View at the Observatory A regular public congregation point at the Observatory is the existing summit, from which can be seen the panoramic cityscape view of the built London skyline.

As a conformation of prior research, little to no starlight can be seen due to the heavy and constant light pollution emitted from the artificial lights of the city.

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Light Trespass

Light Glare

Overlighting

Light escaping via windows, doorways and other openings.

Reflecting and scattering of light off of surfaces such as roads.

Excess use of artificial light in public places.

Light Pollution Types The most significant contributors to light pollution, caused by artificial light both public and private, reducing visibility of starlight at night.

These factors would need to be resolved on both mass and individual scales to enable an ideal night sky.

Skyglow

The reflection of light in the atmosphere from various sources.

Light Trespass (from buildings)

Light Glare (from traffic, roads)

Overlighting (from streetlights, buildings)

Light Pollution

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Greenwich Borough Light Pollution Mapping of the contributors to skyglow across Greenwich borough and the visible panoramic view from the Observatory summit.

The most heavy areas of light pollution can be seen along the Thames in Greenwich, as well as clustered on the Isle of Dogs across the river - both visible from the Observatory.

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Existing View from Summit NELM: 4.0 - 4.5

Ideal View from Summit NELM: 7.6 - 8.0

Current and Ideal Nightscapes As a theoretical comparison of how the sky could be made clearer for starlight to be visible, with the removal of artificial city lights.

This, of course, is not an entirely realistic aim to be achieved, as artificial lighting will always be an inherent requirement for a city, but does demonstrate the issue of contrasting light pollution levels.

8/9 - City/Inner City Sky

7 - Suburban/Urban Transition

6 - Bright Suburban Sky

5 - Suburban Sky

4 - Rural/Suburban Transition

3 - Rural Sky

2 - Dark Sky

1 - Excellent Dark Sky

NELM: 4.0 - 4.5

NELM: 4.6 - 5.0

NELM: 5.1 - 5.5

NELM: 5.6 - 6.0

NELM: 6.1 - 6.5

NELM: 6.6 - 7.0

NELM: 7.1 - 7.5

NELM: 7.6 - 8.0

The sky glows orange or white and only the brightest constellations are visible and missing stars, with sky glow rising to the Zenith.

Strong light sources are evident in any direction are clouds are brightly lit, with the sky a grey-white and Milky Way invisible.

The sky within 35º from the horizon is greywhite with clouds fairly bright and Milky Way only visible at the Zenith.

Light sources are visible in most directions and clouds noticeably brighter than the sky, with the Milky Way near invisible at the horizon and faint overhead.

A light pollution dome is visible in various directions, clouds are illuminated but dark at the Zenith and surroundings are clearly visible.

Some light pollution is visible and clouds are illuminated at the horizon, structures of the Milky Way are visible and surroundings are vaguely visible.

Sky glow is barely visible at the horizon, as are clouds and surroundings, and the Messier Globular Cluster can be seen.

Surroundings are almost invisible and the Zodiacal lights are clearly visible, with the Milky Way’s core casting an obvious shadow,

The Bortle Scale The levelled, numeric scale for measuring the brightness of the night sky in a particular location, ranging from entirely obscured to entirely clear starlight.

In its current state, the Greenwich and London sky generally rated at 8 or 9, with skyglow preventing almost all stars from being seen.

The Shard

Dowells Street

Deptford Towers

City of London

Broadgate Tower

Old Royal Naval College

Millwall

Canary Wharf

Isle of Dogs

Blackwall

Greenwich Power Station

Greenwich Peninsula Estate

O2 Arena

Key Locations Locating the previously identified areas of significance onto the Observatory’s cityscape view.

The most visible and light polluting of these areas not being in the immediate foreground of Greenwich West Ward, but rather across the Thames and in the distant background.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Queen’s House and Old Royal Naval College The ‘Old Greenwich’ area that consists of heritage buildings directly in front of the Observatory.

Although they have an immediate presence, light pollution from these buildings is relatively low, especially in comparison to the nearby high streets.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Millwall Populated with many various apartment complexes and high-rise buildings, Millwall is predominantly a residential area that occupies a significant proportion of the skyline.

Despite clusters of tall buildings, the area comparatively low to neighbouring Canary Wharf and acts as more of a foreground.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Canary Wharf Containing the tallest of buildings in the Observatory’s view that cast the most significant amount of light from within.

The buildings contain a variety of residential, commercial, recreational and other activities that attract large amounts of visitors each night.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Isle of Dogs Almost an extension of Canary Wharf and Millwall, with fewer but closer high-rise buildings that also contribute greatly to the light pollution.

Most of the key buildings here are on the Millwall docks border and somewhat aligned with the taller building behind them.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Blackwall Of particular interest here is the New Providence Wharf residential complex situated along the Thames and blocking any lower buildings behind.

Aside from light trespass from the complex, the dominating motorway acts as a significant contributor to skyglow in the area.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Greenwich Power Station In an area otherwise hidden behind the natural landscape of the Greenwich Park trees, the Power Station also acts as a cover to some of the more illuminated buildings behind it.

Its size and proximity to the Observatory provides this building with potential as a site to further its obstructive capability.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

O2 Arena The single largest and most over-lit building of the skyline, located in an entertainment district built up around its presence.

As part of its nature to advertise itself, the arena poses a significant factor in contributing to all types of light pollution.

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Light Pollution

Key Buildings

Greenwich Peninsula Estate A growing cluster of high-rise apartment buildings built in recent years, stemming from the trail of the O2 Arena.

As this area is set to increase in building development, the light pollution created here will become increasingly obstructive to a desired nightscape.

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1.3

Festival of Balloons In the dual purpose of bringing public attention and interest in the sky and clearing light pollution, a Festival of Balloons would consist of various balloons and airships creating an extravagant spectacle in the sky in the day and leading into a celestial event at night.

Leaning off of Archigram’s Instant City, a variety of airships would become covering that prevent light pollution reaching the sky, while also using devices for atmospheric monitoring and control to disperse cloud formations.

These airship coverings would target the most heavily light polluting areas of London previously identified, while also dispersing smaller airships throughout the city to encourage people to take part in the festival.

Instant City Archigram’s balloon based concept to transport and assemble a kit of parts to become a cultural attraction.

The balloons would theoretically arrive silently at night and remain for a week before moving on.

Balloons supporting a canvas over the area, as if under a circus tent.

Components would be delivered by airship before being separated and assembled.

Instant Cities would be temporary and dedicated to single events.

Advertising for events could be displayed across the location to build anticipation.

Instant Cities would arrive and act in stages of varying intensity and dispersal.

Celestial Event Balloon Festival

Balloon Cityscape Coverings Using a combination of light blocking, regulated light control and weather control to manipulate a improved astronomical sky while creating a public display bringing attention to the sky.

Such solutions, based on Archigram’s Instant City, could include the use of hot air balloons and airships as mobile devices for obstructing light pollution, launched within Greenwich Park and throughout London.

Hot Air Balloon Inflation

Inflation Design Concepts

The ascension of hot air balloons is controlled via burners fixed to the basket. As they have no capacity to be steered, the direction of the balloons are determined entirely by wind conditions, unless it has been securely tethered to the ground.

Parachute valve

Horizontal load tapes Vertical load tapes

Balloons can also be launched with the assistance of vehicles or platforms that propel them forward upon reaching sufficient inflation, so as to match the speed and direction of the prevailing wind.

Envelope

Recreational hot air balloons are commonly inflated and launched without the aid of any structures, temporary or permanent, requiring sufficient ground and air space and having to do so starting on its side.

Envelope skirt Envelope cables Burner unit Parachute valve cord Pilot/Passenger positions Basket, containing fuel tanks Carrying handles

Envelope Cutting and Assembly

Basket and Burners Construction

1. Material Cutting

2. Image Printing

3. Sewing of Gores

4. Sewing of Crown and Tapes

1. Basket Weaving

2. Canister Welding

3. Burner Assembly

4. Basket Assembly

Precise cutting of the fabric by CAM or by hand.

Printing, cutting and assembly of images on the envelope.

Stitching together of the envelope fabric into vertical gores.

Complete assembly of the envelope gores and components.

Hand weaving of the basket with rattan material.

Welding and assembly of the fuel storage canisters.

Assembly and cleaning of the metal components.

Final assembly of the basket, frame and envelope.

Hot Air Balloon Inflation and Manufacturing Although traditionally launched on its side, this poses a question of how hot air balloon launches may be eased for repeated use from a single location.

Despite the various methods required, manufacturing can be located within a single facility, involving mostly assembly of pre-fabricated components and few specialist and isolated activities.

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Self-Sustaining Cloud Seeding Balloon

Fuel Converter and Weather Seeding

Envelope cables Backup hydrogen burner

Conductive envelope fabric Insulated fabric interior

Electric cable from PV cap Hydrogen valve

Photovoltaic panel cap Air valve Fuel cell hatch Water valve Base frame Infrared laser Tether connect

By Day

By Night

Solar Balloon Inflation Hydrogen burner

As the conductive black surface of the envelope is heated by the Sun, the air contained within becomes lighter that the air without, inflating the balloon.

PV current Hydrogen storage

The envelope fabric consists of an insulated double layer with an air gap to reduce heat escape and maintain inflation. This is aided by the shaded fabric’s interior being aluminium coated to minimise heat loss via radiation.

Laser Cloud Seeding

Energy generated from the PV panel cap is stored in a battery (or transfered to the ground via a cable) and used to generate a carried fuel cell.

Firing pulses of an infrared laser is used as an alternative to traditional cloud seeding via spreading silver iodide crystals.

Water tank

2. Ceiling Balloon

Due to their gas capacity, airships are able to lift heavy masses and can utilise propulsion and steering equipment unlike other balloons.

A small balloon, of approximately 40cm diameter, that is used by astrologists to calculate the height of the base of clouds from ground level during the day.

When the balloon is at a required height (for collateral safety) the laser is fired at cloud formations, clearing a particular portion of the sky for star gazing.

During the night, stored hydrogen can be combined with oxygen from the surrounding air to react and produce both electric current and water.

Aeronautic Balloon Typologies 1. Airship

In this experimental method, pulses of specific infrared wavelengths are fired at a desired region of clouds to strip electrons from atoms in the air, resulting in the formation of water droplets to disperse the clouds via rain.

The fuel cell uses electrolysis to decompose water, stored in a tank within the payload unit, into hydrogen (to be used) and air (to be released). The hydrogen gas is stored and used to fuel the backup burner.

Fuel cell Lightweight envelope and basket materials are used throughout to maximise the balloon’s effectiveness, with a backup burner included to maintain flight.

Solar Energy Conversion

8

5. Hot Air Balloon

6. Solar Balloon

The most common and simple to operate aeronautic balloon, hot air balloons use the principle of heating air within an envelope to become lighter than air.

A relatively new design that utilises solar energy to heat the air within the balloon to cause it to rise, generated at a greater rate through use of dark or black materials,

4. Hopper Balloon

7. Gas Balloon

8. Research Balloon

Another single person use vehicle, this time inflated with gas burners operated by the pilot to control ascent, only used for recreational purposes, such as during balloon festivals.

A traditional alternative to the hot air balloon, sharing many of its design traits, with the exception being its inflation with natural gases such as helium or hydrogen.

These balloons consist of materials and specific designs that enable high altitude flights for scientific purposes, often carry equipment for scientific research.

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3. Cluster Balloons

Consisting of just a single harness with many gas filled rubber balloons attached, piloted manually by jettisoning balloons and ballasts.

Cloud Seeding Solar Balloon and Balloon Typologies 0

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A concept for a sustainable balloon used to control weather visibility, with minimal fuel consumption through self-creation and use of solar heating.

Examining a range of various aeronautic balloons that are still built and used in the modern world.

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Canopy Airship A dual purpose airship that both carries smaller balloons and airships for deployment during festivals while primarily containing light pollution with an extendible canopy.

Using vantablack material to prevent skyglow, the airship is positioned above the most overlit buildings and areas of the city during festivals, with the canopy positioned and held in place with pendant balloons.

Airship skin consists of layers of impermeable non-reflective fabric Between ribbed frame structure are insulative and waterproof layers Helium inflated gas storage bags Fins with directional steering rudders Rear propeller connected to engine within and axial running along the airship’s center Vantablack expandable canopy for containing light pollution directly below Secondary vantablack canopy to cover specific sources of light Canopy storage and reels Water landing hulls, allowing water ballast storage Lower level canopy pendant airship storage on rolling tracks Upper level festival airship/balloon storage with overhead craning Space allowed in airship hull for balloon inflation before deployment Airship deployment doors for balloons to take part in festival

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Vantablack Canopy Locations Vantablack fabric canopies are suspended above the most light polluting areas of the city, currently in the view range of Greenwich Observatory but later to be spread across London.

The vantablack material absorbs 99.965% of visible light, blocking light pollution and reducing skyglow while still appearing black and blending with the sky when seen from below.

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Chapter Two

Cultivating Community Engagement To maximise the effect of the sky celebrations to create a culture against light pollution, the issue must be approached on smaller, community scales as well as gaining wider attention.

As a way of both allowing individuals and communities to engage in the sky festivals while reducing household light pollution, the distribution of light blocking devices enables this participation while they are also used productively.

As a way of further developing a sky-centric culture, the use of balloons and airships can also be utilised as sustainably favourable alternatives to travel, both locally and internationally, to expand the project’s integration with the aim for a healthier world.

2.1

2.2

Light Festival Devices

Greenwich Sky Masterplan

p.33-37

p.38-54

2.1

Light Festival Devices As a way to encourage community engagement in reducing light pollution during celestial events, festival-like celebrations are encouraged locally.

Set place as the sun is setting, devices for covering light trespass and overlighting are distributed via airships, with the additional purpose of allowing light displays from the airships to be made more visible.

After the sun has set and celebrations finished, the devices are kept in place to allow the celestial event to be more visible to everyone throughout the night.

“

The physiological effects of light at night and sleep disruption have been ‘proven’ in the sense that there is general acceptance in the scientific community of its truth; i.e. a consensus of experts. What has not been ‘proven’ is that electric light-at-night causally increases risk of cancer, or obesity, or diabetes, or depression.

These connections are each plausible because many of the established physiological effects of circadian disruption and/ or disturbed sleep due to light at night are also implicated in disease pathogenesis; for example, cell-cycle regulation and DNA damage response for cancer, altered leptin and ghrelin for obesity, and loss of glycaemic control for diabetes.

”

Although blue light wavelengths (400-500nm) are necessary for alertness, memory and cognitive function, overexposure can lead to sleep deprivation due to over stimulation of the brain, as well as long term damage to eyesight.

A maximum 480nm wavelength is produced by natural skylight, which fluctuates largely throughout a day, providing a healthy exposure that is intensified due to unfiltered artificial lighting.

Energy

Blue Light

The negative effect on health caused is massed throughout the day and results in disruption to endogenous circadian rhythm of the body and the harmful health implications below.

400

Wellbeing Health Group

Cancer

Disrupted circadian sleeping rhythm harming the body’s ability for cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response, allowing cancer cells to spread easier.

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435

455

475

500

Wavelength (nm)

Health Behaviours

Most Commonly Diagnosed Conditions

Diabetes

Obesity

Depression

Loss of glycaemic control making the body more vulnerable to becoming diabetic over time.

Caused by sleep disruption altering the balance of leptin and ghrelin hormones which influence hunger and body mass.

Sleep deprivation suppressing melatonin production which improves general mood and mental wellbeing.

Light Pollution’s Health Effects Artificial light contains constant blue light that is naturally only present at the sun’s peak, which causes harm to health by altering sleep patterns and weakens cell regeneration.

By highlighting these factors to the city public it gives greater reason for larger community involvement in reducing light pollution beyond just astronomical clarity.

Local Pre-Blackout Celebration

WW2 Blackout Light Techniques

Local Light Pollution Intervention Various methods of light blocking implemented during celestial event celebrations, similar to blackout methods used in WW2.

These light coverings would be set up in local street celebrations prior to nightly celestial events.

Greenwich Light Pollution

Isle of Dogs - Thames Quay 1

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Before The Festival 6

During The Festival

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O2 Arena - Millennium Way Before The Festival

During The Festival

Woolwich - Powis Street Before The Festival

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During The Festival

Pulley Street Light Coverings Temporary coverings to be used during festival events to direct light beams and filter out blue light.

These covers would be distributed to local residents to take part in hoisting onto the street lights via pulley systems.

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Existing Overlit Street Lights Isle of Dogs 1. Millharbour

2. Thames Quay

Ideal Street Lighting O2 Arena - Millennium Way

O2 Arena 3. Millennium Way

4. Edmund Halley Way

Woolwich 5. A206

6. Powis Street

Over Lighting - Existing and Ideal Examples of the various street lighting designs that can be found throughout Greenwich and the panoramic areas, demonstrating artificial light being ineffectively directed with harmful blue light.

The approach to the O2 Arena idealised to have light beams directed effectively onto pavements with minimal light trespass no blue light.

2.2

Greenwich Sky Masterplan A series of proposals throughout Greenwich intended to facilitate measures for reducing light pollution with airships, including public areas for festival displays, airship manufacturing and airship transport.

The primary purpose for using airships being their use as a sustainable alternative for local and international transport, while causing little to no light pollution in their use and being able to carry devices to eliminated skyglow.

Furthermore, the use of airships will bring about greater curiosity and attention to the sky, particularly as it turns to night and stars begin to appear.

Greenwich Borough Wards

10

Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces

Thamesmead Moorings Ward

Peninsula Ward

Abbey Wood Plumstead Ward Glyndon Ward Woolwich Ward Common Ward

Woolwich Riverside Ward Charlton Ward

Greenwich West Ward

Blackheath Kidbrooke with Westcombe Hornfair Ward Ward Eltham West Ward

Middle Park and Sutcliffe Ward

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4 5

Shooters Hill Ward Eltham North Ward

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Eltham South Ward

2 Coldharbour and New Eltham Ward

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Light Pollution (all types)

Air Quality Map Key Combined pollution concentration

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Key light polluting buildings Sites of interest

Sites of Interest

Pollution Density Light Pollution

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Greenwich Park and Observatory New Capital Quay Greenwich Power Station East Greenwich Gas Works Peninsula Construction Yard Railway Yard The Thames Barrier Hornfair Park Eltham Residential Commons Unknown Abandoned Park Site

Greenwich Borough Masterplan Using previous research and programme development to identify key sites across Greenwich Borough that can be used in a masterplan.

Each site has been chosen for both its location and the existing characteristic that are suited to individual programmes.

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Greenwich Park and Observatory

New Capital Quay

Greenwich Power Station

East Greenwich Gas Works

Peninsula Construction Yard

Astronomy Park

Greenwich Centre Port

Airship Maintenance Port

Balloon Testing, Maintenance and Storage

Local Intervention Device Manufacturing

The focal point of the masterplan where the park will be transformed with various structural devices and facilities for the study and appreciation of astronomy.

A docking port for tourist airships, transporting them to the historic and commercial centre of the district from the primary, larger airship port at the Thames Barrier.

Converting the existing structure into a port for airships to be assembled, maintained and fueled before their semi-permanent flotation above the city.

Using the iconic gasholder frame to aid controlled testing of new and repaired balloons, utilising the existing underground space for storage.

A semi-public workshop for the production of light pollution prevention devices to be distributed to local communities.

Railway Yard

The Thames Barrier

Hornfair Park

Eltham Residential Commons

Unknown Abandoned Site

Dedicated Transport Hub

Star Chaser Airship Port

Community Festival Celebration

Local Small Events

Weather Station

The central point in Greenwich from which materials are transported to and distributed from, for manufacturing, fuel supply etc.

Converting the Barrier into a port and hotel for international airships to visit as they follow celestial events occurring in Greenwich.

One of many local park locations able to host festival events that focus on celebrating the clarity of the night sky with balloon glow and launch events.

An example site at which small local gatherings can take place during festival events, provided with a kit of parts to facilitate balloon launches.

A relatively isolated site from which weather and atmosphere conditions can be monitored and potentially intervened for the running of the festival.

Sites of Interest Brief introductions to each of the sites from the masterplan that will be developed further in separate but linked proposals.

The Greenwich Park and Observatory site being unique in requiring its own masterplan for various activities and structures to be placed here.

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Site Location

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Collage Concept

Precedent Hot Air Balloon Glow Festival

Diwali Lantern Festival

Bonfire Night Celebration

Hornfair Park - Light Festival Celebration To increase community engagement with the astronomy festival in areas of Greenwich that are away from the Observatory focal point, localised celebrations of the dark skies can take place as the sun is setting, centred around the balloons of the festival.

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Site Plan

Section AA

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Hornfair Park - Existing Site Public park sites such as this provide good open spaces at which communities can gather to hold their own celebrations during festival events.

Hornfair Park specifically provides opportunity for progressing displays through its existing circular entryway layout.

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Ceiling balloon and lantern launch tubes Ascent control winch ropes Balloon basket resting position Support funnel to suspend balloon envelope during inflation Circular theatre-type seatings around launch point

Hornfair Park - Balloon Launch Theatre A focal point at the entrance to the park for the main event of a ceremonial hot air balloon launching, surrounded by glowing lanterns.

Here the balloons are launched from underground to differ from usual inflations, building anticipation as the balloons emerges from below at a controlled pace.

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Site Location

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Collage Concept

East Greenwich Gas Works - Airship Manufacturing and Testing A facility from which newly manufactured airships are tested in controlled conditions, taking advantage of the existing gas holder structure, the design of which presents opportunities for controlling inflation and ascent, as well as space for manufacturing.

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Site Plan 1:2,000

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East Greenwich Gas Works - Existing Site The site’s location on the Greenwich Peninsula and surrounded by major roads provides access to good transport networks for receiving and sending balloons and materials.

The industrial heritage of the Gas Works also gives greater significance to reviving such industry in this particular area.

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Roof Plan

Ground Floor Plan

Test Centre Plan

Balloon Launch Testing Concepts Solar Reflecting Fabric

Gasholder Railing Guidance

Section AA

Combined Gasholder Balloon Testing

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East Greenwich Gas Works - Gasholder Conversion With the space available below ground, previously for gas storage tanks, airship manufacturing can take place on multiple levels dedicated to different processes.

The finished airships are then raised into the gasholder and attached to the vertical railing for controlled ascent testing before being released for use and storage elsewhere.

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Collage Concept

New Capital Quay - Local Airship Transport Furthering the use of airships in daily life to encourage public interest in the state of the sky, they can be used as a more sustainable alternative to public transport.

While passengers are brought closer to the sky they are given greater appreciation, while the reduced ground traffic also reduces light glare.

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Site Plan

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Section AA

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New Capital Quay - Existing Site A sample site for an airship platform to be located, New Capital Quay is located near the town centre of Greenwich West Ward and in close proximity to the heritage sites of Greenwich.

The open, unused space of the Thames tributary river provides space for an airship to land, as well as an unobstructed path along the river.

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New Capital Quay - Sustainable Alternative Transport As an alternative to bus and train public transport, the airships would reduce fossil fuel consumption, instead being inflated with manufacturable helium gas.

While in the air the airships may also carry devices for cleaning air pollution and generating solar and wind energy to be transferred back into the manufacturing process.

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Primary Route Ports

Local Route Ports

Greenwich Train Station

Royal Arsenal

Old Royal Naval College

Shooter’s Hill

The Thames Barrier

North Greenwich

Key Greenwich Heritage Route Residential Greenwich Route

O2 Arena

Blackheath Park

Airship Public Transport Mapping Due to the space and adaptation required, airship platforms are to be located in key areas of each ward of Greenwich as an initial test to observe their suitability and use.

Two main routes are planned for general public use and heritage sites, with both intersecting at the Greenwich Power Station for refuelling and use as a storage terminal.

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Site Location

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Collage Concept

Precedents Millennium Bridge, Norman Foster

Airship Precision Landing

Emirates Air Line, Wilkinson Eyre

Thames Barrier - International Airship Port Expanding on the use of airships for passenger transport, an international airship port would showcase the example set by the masterplan and encourage its adoption in other countries.

Specifically, this could be used as initially as a dedicated method of transport for astronomy enthusiasts and eclipse chasers to follow celestial events occurring internationally.

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Sketch Concepts

Proposal Site Plan

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Thames Barrier - Star Chaser Airship Port The space required for airships enables four landing platforms to be positioned between the Thames Barrier structures, with a footbridge running underneath.

The platforms would only be used for temporary passenger loading and unloading as well as refuelling of the airships.

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Section AA

Section BB

Thames Barrier - Star Chaser Airship Port The port is essentially only required as an elevated bride between the two sides of the Thames, with enough space of passengers to disembark without becoming crowded or being forced to an edge at such a height.

When not used as for landings at night, the platforms can double as open spaces for amateur stargazers to set up telescopes with unobstructed views of the sky.

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International Star Chaser Port When fully realised, astronomy enthusiasts from across the world can gather to Greenwich as a central site of pilgrimage to admire the unpolluted night sky unseen in other cities.

With this infrastructure Greenwich and London can again become a place of renown in astronomy, reintegrating the heritage of Greenwich Observatory in a culture that celebrates the sky.

Chapter Three

Re-Establishing Greenwich Observatory’s Eminence The focal point of the City of Stars masterplan, the heritage of astronomy in Greenwich Park is renewed and celebrated through the development of monument-like proposals in the Astronomy Park masterplan.

Through these proposals, the public is encouraged to gain greater appreciation of both astronomy and the opportunities afforded by natural lighting - made possible through the reduced light pollution in Chapters One and Two. The project culminates in the central design of the park, the Moondial: a multi-purpose public timepiece that exhibits the experiential benefits of astronomy and natural light; provides spaces for amateur astronomers; and acts as a place of congregation during celestial events.

3.1 Site

3.2 Masterplan

3.3 Design Synthesis

3.4 Journey Into Light

3.5 Journey’s End

3.6 Concluding Proposal

Greenwich Park

Astronomy Park

The Moondial

Guiding Through Phenomenology

Egress of Water and Stars

City of Stars

p.56-64

p.65-73

p.74-86

p.87-97

p.98-106

p.107-134

3.1 Site

Greenwich Park Greenwich Park has a long history associated with astronomy, with the Royal Observatory being located at the parks highest point and being a place of stargazing and study for centuries.

Despite the Observatory still housing public exhibits relating to astronomy, it is no longer a functional site for stargazing. Instead the site remains a beacon of astronomy’s heritage, which can be appropriated within the project’s masterplan.

With the vast area of the park being under heritage conservation, any proposals would have to be carefully considered in regards to their placement; not disturbing any heritage assets while adding to the park’s prominence.

Greenwich Borough

Greenwich West Ward Conservation

Key

Key Key light polluting buildings Sites of interest Greenwich West Ward

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District Boundary

World Heritage Site Boundary - DH3, DH4

Thames Policy Area - DH(k)

Metropolitan Open Land - OS1, OS2, OS(a)

Ward Boundary

World Heritage Site Buffer Zone - DH3, DH4

Area at Risk of Flooding - E2

Community Open Space - OS1, OS(b)

Strategic View - DH(g)

Area of Special Character - DH(l)

Established Riverside Walk - IM(b), m12

Primary Shopping Frontage - TC(a), TC(b)

London Distributor Road

Conservation Area - DH3, DH(h)

New/Improved Riverside Walk - IM(b), m12

Secondary Shopping Frontage - TC(a), TC(b)

Historic Landscape - DH3

Site of Nature Conservation Importance - OS4

Location Context Greenwich Park is located within Greenwich West Ward of Greenwich Borough, an area that contains the most significant heritage sites within the borough.

Due to the park itself, the Observatory, Old Royal Naval College and various other heritage assets being in the area, Greenwich Park is within multiple conservation zones that would influence development.

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Greenwich Park

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Observatory Buildings 1. The South Building

2. Peter Harrison Planetarium

Built c.1891-99, Grade II Listed

Built 2007, Not Listed

3. The Altazimuth Pavilion

4. Statue of General James Wolfe

5. The Great Equatorial Building

6. The Meridian Building

7. Flamsteed House

8. The Pavilion Cafe

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Built c.1894-96, Grade II Listed

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Built 1930, Grade II Listed

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Built 1858, Grade I Listed

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Built 1675, Grade I Listed

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Built 1675, Grade I Listed

Built 1906, Not Listed

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The Royal Observatory Blackheath Avenue The Giant Steps and Parterre Banks The Playing Field One Tree Hill and The Coombes

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Maze Hill Fields Great Cross Avenue The Flower Garden The Wilderness Bandstand Field

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Ranger’s Field The Rose Garden Reservoir Field Croom’s Hill and the Anglo-Saxon Cemetery

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Castel Hill and the Observatory Garden St. Mary’s Fields The Nursery Yard Blackheath Gate

Greenwich Park and The Royal Observatory Although the park is divided into many areas, these mostly contain unbuilt grassland, protected tree lanes and varying terrain heights.

The focal point of the park is around the Royal Observatory, located on Castel Hill and consisting of several isolated buildings along the one side of Blackheath Avenue.

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Significant Viewing Positions d

Masterplan Strategy

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Panorama

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General Wolfe Statue The Pavilion Cafe Croom’s Hill The Anglo-Saxon Burial Grounds Flamsteed House from the Parterre Banks One Tree Hill Ranger’s House The Deer Enclosure

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St. Paul’s Cathedral St. Alfege’s Church The Cutty Sark The Thames, Canary Wharf and The Isle of Dogs The Old Royal Naval College Greenwich Power Station The O2 Arena Royal Greenwich Observatory Bandstand Vanburgh Castle John Roon School Clock Tower The Deer Enclosure Our Lady of the Sea Roman Catholic Church Macarthy House Ranger’s House All Saints’ Church

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Tree Avenues

Terrain Contours

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Key

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Site Area

Park Grassland

Panoramic View

High Asset Significance

Proposed Structure

Terrain Contours

Direct View

Medium Asset Significance

Proposed Path

Tree Avenues

Park Conditions and Site Strategy Due to the considerations of conservation areas in the park, designing should be made to avoid or incorporate high significance assets, for instance, maintaining or enhancing the protected panoramic views of the cityscape.

For a masterplan to contain proposals in various locations of the park, they would each have to consider the unique constraints and terrains that could restrict deigning.

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The Coombes

Giant Steps

Pavilion Descent Maze Hill Fields

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Sites of Interest

Key Paths

Established Park Axis

Panoramic View

View Obscuring Treeline

High Heritage Significance

Listed Buildings

Royal Observatory Grounds

Site Location 1:5,000

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Photo Survey

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Site of Interest: Maze Hill Fields One of the most levelled plots of land in the park area close to the Observatory, this site is also within a clearing enclosed by a treeline of two intersecting tree avenues.

This space, along with its proximity to pathways is beneficial, however it lacks any clear view points that could be utilised in design.

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Site of Interest: The Coombes Set in a clearing also at the intersection of two tree avenues, this site has views looking up at the Observatory and is alongside one of the park’s primary pathways.

Due to the low positioning, however, the site is not ideal for astronomy as skyward views are limited by the more elevated treelines and terrain.

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Photo Survey

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Site of Interest: Giant Steps Set at the base of the Observatory summit, the Giant Steps is a heritage site where the terrain had been historically altered into stepped platforms.

With this close a proximity to the Observatory the site benefits from ease of access but is difficult to design for the inclusion of heritage protection that also does not disrupt the protected panoramic city view.

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Photo Survey

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Site of Interest: Pavilion Descent Following the footpaths adjoining the main road and Cafe Pavilion, the terrain here is initially flat before declining to meet the Park’s main field.

Set parallel to the Observatory buildings, this site has the benefit of panoramic cityscape views, although it borders heritage assets that may limit the extent of development.

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

3.2 Masterplan

Astronomy Park Using the heritage of Greenwich Observatory to support a masterplan for the park that celebrates astronomy and the ability to see a clear night sky.

Visitors would now be able to visit the park in to differing states of existence at day and at night, with the same proposals providing different experiential journeys.

The aim of the masterplan is to generate greater interest in astronomy and the facilities for it, while also displaying the benefits of natural lighting, at night and day, as opposed to artificial lighting.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Revised Masterplan Strategy

Masterplan Proposal Programmes 1. Airship Port and Dark Rooms The airship port for the park that connects to the Greenwich Borough airship service, as well as a dedicated arrival ride for visitors during nightly events. Upon arriving, visitors enter the dark rooms that represent celestial spaces using apertures of natural light, climatising visitors’ eyes to the dark so, when leaving, the night sky appears brighter.

Tethered Panoramic Balloon

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

A large moondial structure that celebrates the cycles of the moon, with views for observing these cycles at specific times of year. The dial face itself will also act as a time telling piece, using moonlight to give the time of day, and possibly also year and current moon cycle, while also being reflective to give alternative views of the night sky.

5 4

Ancient Moondial

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1

James Turrell, Roden Crater

5. Moon-lit Amphitheatre

The Full Moon Theatre, Peter Rice

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Jantar Mantar Observatory

4. Panorama Viewing Platform An extension of the existing viewing area by the General Wolfe statue that overlooks the London cityscape panorama, designed in such a way as to minimise disruption to the view along Blackheath Avenue and without altering any heritage assets. Most likely in the form of stepped platforms either cut into the sloping ground or elevated above.

Tainan Xinhua Fruit and Vegetable Market, MVRDV

Edge, KPF

Theatre of Dionysus

A dual purpose structure on the panoramic Croom’s Hill; serving as a control base for coordinating the movement of festival balloons and airships across the city while also being a large mechanical orrery display of the solar system for visitors to observe, demonstrating the celestial calendar of Greenwich.

Heathrow Air Traffic Control

Masterplan Programmes

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A complete masterplan of the park would consist of these various programmes aim at encouraging both community and tourist engagement in astronomy.

The proposals would be located along a journey through the park for visitor to proceed through, demonstrating how the clarity of sky and starlight can be utilised for astronomy and for casting and reflecting light.

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Hanoi Astronomy Park

6. Balloon Coordination Orrery

A public use amphitheatre that is illuminated by moon light with reflecting panels, with these panels being designed in such a way as not to obstruct the view from the merging viewing platform. The amphitheatre would act as a stage for nearby theatre companies and general local performances.

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Various small tower structures, arranged in the patterns of constellations, that provide spaces for amateur astronomers to stargaze. These would include observatory-type telescope mounts that give the users a greater experience and more precision in viewing stars. Designed in an astronomical form for passers-by to appreciate.

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Cenotaph for Newton, Etienne-Louis Boullée

2. Constellation Towers

Solar System Orrery

Moon, Sun and Wind Paths

Public Approaches and Noise

PRODUCED

BY AN the AUTODESK STUDENT Due to the absence of built context, site is both clear of VERSION significant shadow cover and exposed to the prevailing wind, although tree avenues and sloping terrain provide some cover.

Terrain and Constellation Placement

PRODUCED

BY AN AUTODESK Pedestrian approach to the site comes mainly from twoSTUDENT directions: VERSION from the main field to the north and the Observatory and main road to the south, this also being the most noise polluting area.

PRODUCED

BY AN AUTODESK Using the arrangement of constellations that fit the siteSTUDENT to plot the VERSION locations of astronomer’s towers and vantage points, considering their positioning along the inclined paths and treelines.

Proposal Placements PRODUCED

BY AN AUTODESK Positing the proposals with more consideration in STUDENT regards to VERSION their proximity to each other, maintaining a clear view from the Moondial and minimising disruption to the park’s open spaces.

Astronomer’s Tower Gemini

Vantage Point/Vault

Cancer

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Aries

Moondial

Design Focus: Moondial Ascent As the most specific masterplan proposal for astronomy, the Moondial and its ascending approach bordered by stargazing towers provides the most potential for a design focus.

The positioning of these key proposals being decided through further site analysis of the Pavilion Ascent area of the park.

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Vantage points for stargazing and photography Subterranean descent to storage chamber Resting area with bench and table Security door with code locked access Private storage chamber for astronomy equipment

Elevations and Sections

Astronomer’s Vault Half buried pods set in the ground for amateur astronomers to rent out for storage of their equipment, such as telescopes and cameras, along with vantage points from which to use them.

These small structures would be scattered around the park for the general public to use throughout the day, then at night amateur astronomers would be able to retrieve their equipment for stargazing.

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Jantar Mantar A site containing various historical monuments for low-tech stargazing and observation of the sky, including various staircases leading to vantage points.

Cenotaph for Newton, Etienne-Louis Boullée A theoretic design that mimics the stars of the night sky with apertures of varying sizes set in a spherical chamber, appearing as if night during the day.

Telescope Vaults and Vantage Points Secured subterranean storage for astronomer’s equipment taking a celestial form in a spherical chamber, with light hole apertures in the ceiling being illuminated to become star constellation during the day.

Staircase vantage points on ground level provide easy access positions for telescopes to be set up on a flat surface, away from disturbance from passers-by.

MAD, Wormhole Library A curved form that blends with the sky with smooth cut holes that frame views while appearing to merge with the ground.

Mike Davies’ Astronomy Equipment Custom built telescope mounts that are designed to allow a telescope to be attached for precision stargazing.

Gyroscopic Orrery A gyroscopic sphere that accurately rotates to position a precise view of a celestial body, adapted for use as a telescope mount.

Astronomers’ Towers Towers intended to serve as personal observatories in which astronomers can affix their equipment to a gyroscopic telescope for an enhance experience of star gazing.

Equipment itself is moved into the tower pod in a gear driven lift capsule.

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Gyroscope positioning telescope mount in observation chamber aperture Telescope attachment frame Equipment lift on cylinder frame, becoming table in observation chamber Staircase access to observation chamber Stepped seating leading to equipment lift

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Gyroscopic Telescope Mounts These towers are designed to provide more adept astronomers with precision stargazing, through the use of controllable gyroscopic telescope mounts that can follow celestial bodies and remain stable.

To aid ease of use, telescope and equipment can be sent to the observation chamber via a lift pod extruded from the centre of the tower to ground level, becoming a table when in the chamber.

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Precision Star Gazing Using the gyroscopic tower’s frame mount an astronomer is able to affix their telescope and equipment for star gazing, which remains in a fixed central position as it rotates.

This allows the astronomer view at a 90° radius of the sky above while remaining clear of disturbances and without altering their setup.

Astronomy Park

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

3.3 Design Synthesis

The Moondial

The central focus of the masterplan, the Moondial is a monument to the night sky, being a timekeeping piece that provides unique views of the sky, both in unobscured chamber spaces and reflective surfaces to see the stars from different perspectives.

The Moondial has the dual programme of providing space and facilities for amateur astronomers to congregate, while also being a symbiotic example to the public of the benefits of natural light as opposed to artificial.

The forms of the Moondial develop to become more inclusive with the landscape, with the namesake dish appearing to emerge from the ground and merge with the night sky, in a curved form intended to evoke imagery of the waning moon.

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Designing By Moonlight By taking into account the changing position of the Moon in the night sky, a design can be formed to optimise how it is viewed and followed.

The rows of rotating compass lines indicated the nightly adjustments required to read a Moondial, as shadows cast by the Moon change by 12° each night over a synodic month.

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Experimenting with spatial arrangements of the Moondial to accommodate spaces for viewing the Moon underneath the dish of the dial face.

These simple designs include public interaction in the through an analemmatic sundial that allows a person to become an active part of the design by casting a shadow to tell the time.

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Analemmatic moondial/sundial - using the shadow cast by a person Elevated moon observatory with angled viewing aperture Moondial gnomon - casting shadow onto dial to show time Equatorial dial that shows the time on a 24 hour face

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East Elevation

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Inclined approach raising the observation chamber without being too obtrusive in height Platforms for public to view the Moondial and astronomers to star gaze Equatorial dial that shows the time on a 24 hour face Moondial gnomon - casting shadow onto dial to show time Moon observation chamber with angled aperture following the Moon cycles

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South Elevation

Moondial Outlook A refinement of the design to be less intrusive by being closer to the ground while also providing elevated spaces for the dial face to be seen closer and give unrestricted views for stargazing.

The approach to the Moon chamber is given greater anticipation as it is approached straight on, passing under the dish and opening into a clear view of the sky.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Interior Plan

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NOISREV TNEDUTS KSEDOTUA NA YB DECUDORP

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Axonometric

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James Turrell, Roden Crater A seamless view of the sky with sparingly aesthetic framing that puts the view into focus, exaggerated in depth with the staircase approach.

Zaha Hadid, Olympic Aquatics Centre An organic, curved interior roof that appears to rest delicately on either side, allowing more light to enter from each end with large framed views.

Moon Observation Chamber A space for observing the cycle movement of the Moon each night with an unobstructed view of the sky intended to be emphasised by the chamber itself.

The stone materials with grey tones are used to appear more natural and in keeping with the appearance of the Moon.

Jantar Mantar A variety of low tech functioning monuments to astronomy, often with ascending approaches that naturally guide sight upwards to the sky.

Zaha Hadid, Olympic Aquatics Centre As with the interior, the organic form of the roof structure relates greatly to the programme within, while also guiding to a clear entrance and approach

Reflecting The Starlit Sky The face of the Moondial gives a second perspective of the night sky, reflecting starlight so it can be seen below as well as above.

This is given greater effect with the dial appearing as if floating above the dark ground below it, making it appear as if a celestial body itself.

Watching Sunset Over London

Watching Starlight Over London

Reflecting The Sunlit Sky

Reflecting The Moonlit Sky

Skyspace, James Turrell

Section Sketch Developments

Moondial Embedded in Terrain

Cut into a mountainside slope, the entrance to this space is slanted with the terrain and is given a plain aesthetic that does not contrast too explicitly with the landscape. The neutral internal materials and colours also give more presence to the framed sky.

St. Mary Cathedral, Kenzo Tange Described as “simple in concept and complex in shape”, the cathedral empthasises the limited sources of light with large curving walls that draws attention to these sources of light and the contrast they create with shadows.

1. Entrance cutting into the sloping terrain of the park so as not to disturb protected views 2. Cascading pools of water leading through the corridor at a 1° incline, guiding visitors through the dark space 3. Textured handrails in the wall also guide visitors as their eyes adjust to the darkness 4. A diverging turn in the corridor where it is at its darkest before emerging into the main chamber 5. Ground level congregation point for visitors to observe the Moondial 6. The Moondial dish forming a thin roof structure for the subterranean space beneath 7. The gnomon extruding from the subterranean chamber to above ground level as a connection to both spaces 8. A large open aperture to allow light in to reflect on the waterfall below 9. Smaller light aperture running around the dish’s end, allowing more light to reflect on the water 10. Water falling onto the angled wall splashes as it hits it, creating a spray that appears as if starlight when light hits it 11. A central shallow pool of water connecting the waterfall to the cascading pools and becoming a congregation point 12. A concave wall of glass that reflects light downwards and allows visitors to see the sky from a different angle as they egress 13. A winding spiral staircase that leads visitors to ground level or higher to an elevated vantage point

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Designing Into The Terrain To make the Moondial dish more accessible and visible to passer-by, it is here merged with the landscape of the park as less of a disruptive presence.

Viewing the Moon is no longer a major consideration - as this can be done at ground level - instead, a more experiential journey and space to celebrate the qualities of natural light.

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Subterranean Plan

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Subterranean entrance Cascading pools in corridor leading into darkness Diverging paths at darkest point Waterfall chamber with light apertures above Exit staircase and reflective concave wall Congregation point at ground level Moondial base Light aperture above waterfall

Journey Egress Renders Light falling onto the waterfall

The waterfall base and exit

Winding staircase to ground level

Concave wall and staircase encouraging to look up

Staircase exit emerging from the ground

Journey Progression Visitors to the Moondial’s subterranean space progress into a darkness as they move along a corridor with the only source of light being from behind, adapting eyesight to the darkness before emerging into light.

In the main waterfall chamber, the spraying water is intended to fill the space with a glistening mist that reflects light from the aperture above to appear as if walking through stars.

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Adjusting Nightly For The Moon

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Reading The Moondial At ground level, the Moondial dish becomes a nightly congregation point for stargazers and astronomers to celebrate the Moon and stars at the base of this reflective form.

The shadow cast by moonlight can be read to tell the time by accounting for its nightly change, with the gnomon shadow being read on the adjusted rings of the dial face.

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3.4 Journey Into Light

Guiding Through Phenomenology In moving the Moondial’s design focus away from framing the Moon cycle and instead onto creating an experience of natural light, it has become a design more in line with the experiential qualities of phenomenology.

Visitors are encouraged to journey into the subterranean Moondial after seeing and hearing glimpses from ground level, leading them into spaces where light interacts with water to become a guiding experience leading into a central cave-like celestial space.

In this main chamber, dominated by a waterfall wall, light from the dish’s aperture is cast onto the splashing water and mist to create sparkling light for visitors to walk through, as if they are walking through star light.

Subterranean Dark Spaces - Section AA

Cascading Pools, Perge

Salk Institute, Louis Khan

Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Tadao Ando

Built by the ancient Romans and unique to this site, this ground level aqueduct system uses a series of shallow pools along a declining street as both a practical and aesthetic feature. As one pool overfills it spills into the next, maintaining a constant level in each pool while also a constant flow of water.

The abundance of natural lighting and wide pathway bisected by a thin channel of water set a scene intentionally aligned with the setting of the sun; an event instance occurring daily and seen in a view framed by the architecture. This water becomes the central guiding feature of the design during these times of day.

Built to give greater appreciation to the existing Buddha statue by showing a glimpse of the statue’s head at a distance at ground level, building anticipation as visitors must proceed through an unlit corridor to reach the Buddha, at which point it appears framed by the circle of sky above.

Subterranean Dark Spaces Visitors at ground level see the aperture of the Moondial dish and hear the waterfall as a glimpse of what is below, drawing them to enter the unfamiliar darkness of the subterranean entrance.

As they proceed into the darkness and visitors’ eyesight adapts slightly, when turning the corner to the main chamber it appears briefly brighter, with the glistening light on the water becoming more apparent.

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Subterranean Dark Spaces - Plan

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Subterranean Dark Spaces Visitors moving through the entrance corridor are guided visually by the cascading pools of water running along the center, reflecting light from the entrance opening.

Handrails carved into the walls also guide through touch, leading around the darkest turn that opens into the light of the waterfall chamber.

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Prague Astronomical Clock A clock consisting of three parts as a timekeeping piece for celestial bodies: the Astronomical Dial, the Walk of the Apostel Figurines and the Zodiac Dial. It is used by astronomers to find the position of stars.

St. Rita Church, Leon Stynen and Paul de Meyer A cathedral in the style of subtle brutalism, light is channeled from an aperture in the roof to the congregation below. The form of the walls leads the observer to look upwards in following the vertical furrows.

Astronomers’ Pilgrimage To make the waterfall chamber a place of nightly pilgrimage for astronomers, an astronomical clock provides them with the positioning of the Moon and stars in the sky on that night, while being an educational curiosity to regular visitors.

After undertaking the experiential journey of light to reach this clock, astronomers can then proceed through to star gaze after leaving, with a greater appreciation of the stars and their movement.

Intersecting Staircase Model Stair Models, Juhani Pallasmaa Models that demonstrate phenomenology in architecture, whereby the perceptual experience of a person is enhance with the encounters of form with light and shadow.

Oblique Light Contact

Direct Light Contact

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Light Condition Approaching Night

Colour Pigment Experimentations

Modelling For Light and Texture In these experimental staircase models it is attempted to use the mirrored staircase form in interaction with light to create a unique experience for visitors.

The beam of light directed into the intersecting staircases would change in colour and intensity throughout the day, allowing it to be perceived in differing encounters.

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Roden Crater, James Turrell The repetition on identical wall protrusions along these corridors interacts with light in such a way as to create a clear sense of approach and anticipation.

Perspective Renders To aid in countering any harm done to micro-environments interrupted on this site, the stepped land is to be formed by gabions with vine plants planted in the soil behind, so as to allow the vines to grow through and disguise the built landscape.

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Stad Ship Tunnel, Snøhetta The stepped gabion wall here cuts into the landscape while using a seemingly natural appearance that blends well with the site’s environment.

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Gabion Overgrowth To aid in countering any harm done to micro-environments interrupted on this site, the stepped land is to be formed by gabions with vine plants planted in the soil behind, so as to allow the vines to grow through and disguise the built landscape.

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Descending pathway is hidden by gabion wall A path above the entrance provides a platform for panoramic views Rotatable circles allow for telescopes to be mounted with ease Gabion walls and steps with vines planted behind to grow over time Repeating borders in the corridor frame the approach and progression Cascading pools of water reflecting light Water appears to disappear as it falls into the ground

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Entrance Concealed by Terrain To further merge the subterranean entrance with the park landscape it is concealed from explicit sight with stepped gabions encouraging overgrowth and an extension of the path directly above.

This acts to add to the park with dedicated spaces for astronomers to set up telescopes while being considerate in minimising disruption to the park landscape.

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Jewish Museum Berlin, Daniel Libeskind

Hurva Synagogue, Louis Kahn An unbuilt project by Louis Kahn, these spaces use direction light and apertures to emphasise certain features by creating a contrast with shadows and casting focus on entryways and central spaces. This use of light creates a sense of priority to the spaces where it is clear what is of the most importance.

Libeskind’s extension of the Jewish Museum creates an overwhelming atmosphere to the experience of the Mirror Aluminium Sheet 1.5mm journey through the building, using straight aperture slits to cast the only source of light onto exposed conSand and Gravel crete walls. This lighting guides visitors through a space intended to make them feel lost andFine disorientated.

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Toughened Heat Soak Laminated Glass 1:25 Light Aperture Model Testing 33mm

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Black Screen Printed Border

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Corridor - Section CC, 1:25

Mirror Aluminium Sheet 1.5mm Thinset Adhesive Mortar 10mm Reinforced Cork Concrete

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Guiding Light In developing the experience of the journey into the earth, the addition of a light aperture running directly above the cascading pools should cause greater effect in creating a stronger contrast with light and shadows.

As light is cast onto the pools they are brought more into focus, causing the textured handrails, walls and distant turns to become hidden in darkness, making the necessity for touch more important in guiding visitors through as they light shows a general direction.

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Moonlight Corridor Using a 1:25 model of the entrance corridor, the effects of moonlight can be seen as it enters through the light aperture as it moves through the sky.

At the Moon’s apex in the sky, when it is shining from the south, the spaces is illuminated the most, with light amplified when reflecting off the water.

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION As with the moonlight testing, sunlight is also most effective at filling the space when overhead at midday, although the space is more illuminated by indirect light from the open entryway to the north.

As light is at an indirect angle, at both night and day, it becomes more limited and offers different spatial qualities as the materiality of the walls is brought more into focus.

ODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Sunlight Corridor

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY ANPRODUCED AUTODESK BY STUDENT AN AUTODESK VERSIONSTUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODE

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Corridor Wall Textures and Pigments Black Pigment Finishes

Corridor - Section CC, 1:25

White Pigment Finishes

Handrail Textures and Pigments Subtle Texture with Black Pigment

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Sunlight

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Moonlight

Mixed Pigment and Texture Experiments

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Textured Handrail - Detail C, 1:10

More Pronounced Texture with White Pigment

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION 0

0.25

0.5m 1:25

Materiality Experimentation Models As light interacts with the surface material of the corridor, depending on the surface finish and pigment, it will either multiply or diminish - the desired effect being that surfaces are made visible only in direct light.

This too applies to the textured handrail, being a tactile material that visitors can run their hands over to guide through the dark, without being overtly visible.

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50

125mm 1:5

Handrail Textures In Darkness Using the prior model experiments, these textures create varying effectiveness in both how they are seen in darkness and the roughness of the texture against a hand.

The central model balances these two qualities the most effectively; being clearly pronounced but not too course, and with a matt finish that casts some shadow giving hint to its presence.

3.5 Journey’s End

Egress of Water and Stars As the entryway and main chamber no longer focus on framing views of the sky in favour of an experiential journey, the transition from the immersive atmosphere of the waterfall to the world outside is made to be a more calming journey that includes these views.

After leaving the waterfall and diverging on two separate but identical paths, lending to more private experiences, visitors enter spaces where the sky above is the sole focus in an enclosed space isolated from the noise outside.

When reaching ground level, the presence of water re-emerges, now using its reflective properties to give changing perspective of the sky as visitors see it from changing angles. This inhabitable water feature then merges with the park and cafe to become a general use space for the public.

Plan 0 - Subterranean Spaces

Plan 1 - Ground Level Entrance and Exit Staircases B

B

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Plan 2 - Ground Level and Moondial Roof

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1. Subterranean entrance with cascading pools and textures handrail leading into darkness 2. Stepped gabion wall landscape with astronomer setups 3. Waterfall chamber with astronomical clock as the centerpiece 4. Stepped seating cut into the curved wall 5. Dark corridors leading away from the noise of the waterfall, guided by textured handrails 6. Night sky outlook spaces that frame the sky with a seamless aperture 7. Path extension as a panoramic viewing platform 8. Light beam aperture running above the corridor 9. Pathway running around the base of the Moondial 10. Staircase exit to ground level with light aperture linking intersecting staircases 11. Main light aperture above waterfall 12. Exit passageway descending past reflecting pool 13. Pool of shallow water reflecting the image of the sky 14. Skylights above the night sky outlooks 15. Stepped seating and space for telescope setups 16. The Moondial exit merging into the existing Pavilion Cafe garden

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The Moondial’s Exit Journey - Plans This iteration of the Moondial further develops the spaces beyond the waterfall chamber, returning to the previous concept of framing views of the sky in distinct ways.

The exit route taken by visitors diverges into two separate but similar paths, breaking up large groups to make this experience of the Moondial more private and calm.

0 North

2

5m 1:200

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2012, Herzog & de Meuron

Water Temple, Tadao Ando

This Serpentine Pavilion features a large yet shallow pool of water set 1.5m above the ground, with seating set into the earth beneath it. The pool containing still water on a dark base creates a reflective quality the shows an almost undisturbed image when viewed at the right angle. The project also uses cork lining to insulate an otherwise expose environment.

The Water Temple is designed around a sensory experience that first gives glimpses of the structure through the plants and trees before arriving at the labyrinth within. Topping the temple is a large circular pond that is bisected with a staircase, giving the impression of entering into the ground as the water passes overhead when visitors descend.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Section AA

North Elevation

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Subterranean entrance with cascading pools and textures handrail leading into darkness Stepped gabion wall landscape with astronomer setups Waterfall chamber with astronomical clock as the centerpiece Stepped seating cut into the curved wall Dark corridors leading away from the noise of the waterfall, guided by textured handrails Night sky outlook spaces that frame the sky with a seamless aperture

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Section BB

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

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Section CC

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Section DD

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7. Path extension as a panoramic viewing platform 8. Light beam aperture running above the corridor 9. Pathway running around the base of the Moondial 10. Staircase exit to ground level with light aperture linking intersecting staircases 11. Main light aperture above waterfall

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12. Exit passageway descending past reflecting pool 13. Pool of shallow water reflecting the image of the sky 14. Skylights above the night sky outlooks 15. Stepped seating and space for telescope setups 16. The Moondial exit merging into the existing Pavilion Cafe garden

The Moondial’s Exit Journey - Sections and Elevations The rear spaces of the subterranean Moondial are largely without direct light, with visitors guided to light beyond the corridors with textured handrails carved into the walls.

At ground level the reflective pool is given water by the way of a concave glass wall that has water flowing behind, lending it more of a reflective quality for the sky to be viewed from a unique perspective.

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5m 1:200

PRODUCED PRODUCED BY

BY AN AN AUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT STUDENT VERSION VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Section EE: Sky Outlook

Section EE

Detail D: Ceiling Skylight and Reflective Pool Junction

Sky Outlook Concept Renders Water Level Water Level Porcelain Tiles Water Level Porcelain Tiles 20mm 20mm Porcelain Tiles Waterproof20mm Membrane Waterproof Membrane 5mm 5mm Waterproof Membrane Cement Screed 5mm Cement Screed 20mm 20mm Cement Screed 20mm

Detail E: Angled Internal Wall Layering Flexible Plasterboard Flexible Plasterboard (fire & moisture resistant) (fire & moisture resistant) 12.5mm Flexible Plasterboard 12.5mm (fire & moisture resistant) PVDF Coated Steel Sheet 12.5mm PVDF Coated Steel Sheet 1.5mm 1.5mm PVDF Coated Steel Sheet 1.5mm

C D

Plywood Sheet Plywood Sheet 5mm 5mm Plywood Sheet Timber5mm Framed Thermal Insulation and Waterproofing Timber Framed Thermal Insulation and Waterproofing 50mm 50mm Timber Framed Thermal Insulation and Waterproofing 50mm

Cement Render Steel Corner Bracket Cement Render Steel Corner Bracket 10mm 5mm 10mm 5mm Steel Corner Bracket Cement Render 5mm 10mm

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Steel Bracket Steel Bracket 5mm 5mm Steel Bracket Skylight Frame 5mmFittings Skylight Frame Fittings (allowing removal of glass) (allowing removal of glass) Skylight Frame Fittings PVDF Coated Steel Sheet (allowing removal of glass) PVDF Coated Steel Sheet 1.5mm 1.5mm PVDF Coated Steel Sheet 1.5mm

PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION

PRODUCED PRODUCEDBY BYAN ANAUTODESK AUTODESKSTUDENT STUDENTVERSION VERSION

Clear Toughened/Laminated Glass Clear Toughened/Laminated Glass 25.5mm 25.5mm Clear Toughened/Laminated Glass Argon Filled Cavity 25.5mm Argon Filled Cavity 16mm 16mm Argon Filled Cavity Clear Soft Coat Inner Pane 16mm Clear Soft Coat Inner Pane 6mm 6mm Clear Soft Coat Inner Pane 6mm

Concrete Foundations Concrete Foundations Concrete Foundations

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY

BY AN AN AUTODESK AUTODESK STUDENT STUDENT VERSION VERSION PRODUCED 0

2

5m 1:200

Night Sky Outlook Expanding on the previous influence of Turrell’s Skyspace, by framing the sky in a seamless view that blends with the chamber, visitors’ view is brought into focus on the stars above, Acting as a low-tech observatory, the space appears as if looking through a telescope; limiting perspective and using a smooth, curved form to encourage to look up at the sole light source.

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1m 1:50

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250mm 1:10

Angled Water Reflections Still Water - Black Basin

Rippled Water - Black Basin

Still Water - White Basin

Rippled Water - White Basin

Pigment Coloured Water

70°

Yellow Dye - Black Basin

Yellow Dye - White Basin

Red Dye - Black Basin

Red Dye - White Basin

Blue Dye - Black Basin

Blue Dye - White Basin

Green Dye - Black Basin

Green Dye - White Basin

NASA photography coloured to highlight celestial bodies.

Pigment dye in a cloud form, spreading from a single spot.

At this direct an incline no clear reflected image is visible, although the basin floor is.

50°

A clear image is reflected, as are ripples in the water, although these distort the image.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

30°

The reflected image remains clear and brighter, as the basin floor is less visible.

10°

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Reflective Incidences of Exit Pathway

Angles of Reflection 1.8m 1600mm

D: 4°-14° C: 14°-42° B: 33°-66°

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500mm 1:25

1350mm 1250mm

1600mm 800mm

1250mm

800mm 250mm

ODESK STUDENT VERSION

A: 46°-75° 250mm

1350mm

E: 18°-48°

D: 4°-14° C: 14°-42° E: 18°-48°

B: 33°-66°

A: 46°-75°

Testing Water Pool Reflections

In these simple tests, the reflective properties of water is being examined at different angles, corresponding to the changing angles of view when visitors exit parallel to the circular reflecting pool.

Also being examined is the replication of space photography that has been edited with colour, seeing if colour added to water would in any way inhibit or benefit the reflected imagery.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODES

0

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

While the image reflection is still visible, it is less so due to a reduced surface area.

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0.5

1m 1:50

Water Run-Off Textures Texture i A datum model to observe water flow on a flat surface; an even distribution with a slight reflection.

Texture ii

Curving parallel ridges; causing a cascading effect when horizontal but limiting the spread of water when also vertical.

Texture iii

Offsets of curved ridges; causing water to either gather in or away from the edge’s center with a slightly rippled effect.

Texture iv

An inverse of the previous model; a contrast of water gathering in the ridges or not flowing into them.

Stepped Waterfall Pools

Texture v

A surface of gridded indentations; creates air pockets and a sparkling effect that compliments the reflections of forming bubbles.

Texture vi

A uniformly pocked texture surface; water run-off ripples the most here, creating instances of rippled light reflections and forming bubbles.

Texture vii

A surface of parallel ridges; when at a slighter incline water tends to run along the ridges; when steeper water becoming more active and rippled.

Texture viii

Rows of similar circular extrusions; water runs between the circles, as if islands amongst a reflective pool, becoming submerged when steeper.

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Progression of Preferred Textures

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Texture v

Texture vi

Texture vii

Texture viii

Detail F

Detail G

Detail H

Detail I

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Egress Of Textured Water Flow These chosen surface textures appropriately create a developing flow of water, from calm to rough, as it approaches the culmination of its journey along with that of the observing visitors.

The water transitions from the calm pool to a slightly rougher flow, that becomes even more so as water ripples and bubbles before beginning to disappear between raised extrusions

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Perspective Renders 1 3

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Aviary Adaptation In the event that the Moondial becomes unused and redundant, rather than demolition it has the potential to use its water infrastructure and semi-enclosed internal spaces as an aviary sanctuary. This would require minimal alteration and would still allow the site to remain functional for the public to journey through.

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1. Water flowing behind a concave glass wall, reflecting light onto the pool 2. Black tiled shallow water pool reflecting the sky for visitors to see as they leave 3. Light aperture channeling into the staircase exit 4. Sliding glass doors that enclose the space between here and the waterfall 5. A glass canopy coving the exit passage, tinted grey to darken the sky and put focus on the water 6. Declining exit passage that changes the angle view of the water as visitors leave 7. Clear glass skylights to the Night Sky Outlook spaces below 8. 400mm stepped seating for amateur astronomers and stargazers to rest 9. Water flowing from the main pool into the moats surrounding the Astronomer Spheres 10. The Astronomer Spheres used for more precise and private star gazing 11. Patterned water flow running from smooth to rough as visitors reach the end of their journey 12. Water appears to disappear into the ground, falling into a gap that circulates water back

Overview of the Moondial Egress When visitors leave the Moondial they are given differing perspectives of the sky by looking in each direction, seeing reflections on water and a monochromatic sky above.

After leaving this space can still be used as a general feature of the park; used as seating and a water feature for the adjoining cafe during the day and as a place for amateur astronomers to set up their telescopes at night.

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0.5

1m 1:50

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

1a. Rain water is collected on the dish and runs between the tile cladding to reach the ground junction.

1b. The water is filtered for debris and temporarily stored in an overflow tank.

1c. Water then travels via piping to meet the main channel and is stored with other collected rainwater.

Water Features Axo

2a. Rain water enters the aperture opening in the dish and merges with the waterfall.

2b. Excess water from the pool is drained into the plant room below.

3a. Rain water is collected in the ground level pool, flowing down the surface gradient.

3b. Water is then travels down piping to meet the main channel and flow into the plant room.

Dual Water Intake System

2 1

4a. Rain water is collected on the roof pool, flowing down the surface gradient.

4b. Water flows out the pool and cascades down steps, leading to piping that travels to the plant room.

1a

4a

5a. A backup supply of water is pumped from a borehole approx. 25m below ground level.

5b. Borehole water is stored in a separate tank to be used if stored rainwater is depleted.

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

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1a. Water is pumped from the plant room to the waterfalls.

1b. Water falls into a pool that remains at a constant level and overflow feeds into the cascading pools.

1c. Water flows down the cascading pools, reaching a drop at the end to flow back into the plant room.

Water Features and Circulation

2a. Water is pumped to a concave waterfall running behind a glass wall and into a pool.

2b. The pool gradient allows water to flow toward the opposite end.

2c. Water flows out the pool and cascades down steps, leading to piping that travels to the plant room.

2a

3a. Water is pumped from the plant room to the ground level reflective pool.

3b. The pool gradient allows water to flow toward the opposite end.

3c. From the pool, water flows into the main channel and back into the plant room.

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Reflective water pool of 50mm depth around exit and steps Moats isolating astronomer gyroscopes with run-off from pool Concave glass wall waterfall flowing water into pool Aperture opening allowing rainwater adding to the waterfall Waterfall on angled wall to spray water for starlight effect Water collected in pool below, containing astronomical clock Cascading pools widening in approach to waterfall Rainwater collected on dish roof, between porcelain tiles Rainwater filtered into temporary storage tank Reflective pool on approach to the Moondial dish Cascading pools reflecting light from aperture running above Plant room for water treatment and pumping

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Sustainable Water Circulation Water used for the various features of the Moondial is collected via rainwater and a secondary borehole pump, taking no water from the city’s infrastructure.

Water is cycled through the building continuously, being filtered and treated to ensure it is clean, with storage for excess capacity.

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Plan of Water Collection Tank

Section of Water Collection Tank

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Dish Rainwater Collection - Detail J, 1:5

Cascading Pools - Detail K, 1:5 Cut Stone Paving Slab 25mm

Thinset Adhesive Mortar 10mm

Shadow Gap and Water Drain

Thinset Adhesive Mortar 10mm

Concrete Slab w/ Ø4mm Water Hole 80mm

Cut Stone Slabs 30mm

Concrete Screed 30mm

Waterproof Membrane 5mm

Watertight Concrete Ring Beam 255 x 140mm Profile

Clear Toughened/Laminated Glass 17.5mm

Waterproof Membrane 5mm

Ferrocement Concrete Structure 25mm

Water Run-off Hole Ø20mm

Balustrade Base Mount w/ Galvanised Steel Sheet Exterior

Fine Gravel and Sand 25mm Larger Gravel 75mm

Exposed Concrete Finish

Steel Anchors for Ferrocement Structure

PVC Pipe to Filter Chamber Ø40mm

Reinforced Concrete Foundations

Waterproof Membrane 5mm

Concrete Slab 90mm

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Steel Corner Bracket w/ Ø4mm Water Hole 5mm

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Porcelain Tile 20mm

Porcelain Tile 20mm

Fireproofing and Insulation (for future adaptability) 50mm

PVDF Steel Sheet 1.5mm

Thinset Adhesive Mortar 10mm

Fine Gravel and Sand 25mm

Waterproof Membrane 5mm

Cement Screed 30mm

PVC Pipe to Filter Chamber Ø100mm

Watertight Concrete Beam 87 x 138.5mm Profile

Waterproof Membrane 5mm

Larger Gravel 75mm

Harwich Formation Ground (Sand and Gravel)

Fireproofing and Insulation (for future adaptability) 50mm

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Water Level

Rainwater Collection and Pools The tiles of the Moondial’s dish are used both as reflective surfaces and for rain water collection, using the inclined surface to channel water into gaps at the dish’s base.

This water is then filtered in a temporary overflow tank before being circulated through the structure, including a constant flow along the central cascading pools.

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3.6 Concluding Proposal

In a Sky of a Million Stars The central focus of the masterplan, the Moondial is a monument to the night sky, being a timekeeping piece that provides unique views of the sky, both in unobscured chamber spaces and reflective surfaces to see the stars from different perspectives.

The Moondial has the dual programme of providing space and facilities for amateur astronomers to congregate, while also being a symbiotic example to the public of the benefits of natural light as opposed to artificial.

The forms of the Moondial develop to become more inclusive with the landscape, with the namesake dish appearing to emerge from the ground and merge with the night sky, in a curved form intended to evoke imagery of the waning moon.

Moondial Approach

The Moondial

Astronomer’s Towers

The Pavilion Cafe

The South Building

Peter Harrison Planetarium

The Altazimuth Pavilion

Astronomy Park Masterplan

Statue Overlook

Great Equatorial Building

The Meridian Building

Flamsteed House

The Moondial

Astronomer’s Towers

The Pavilion Cafe

The South Building

Peter Harrison Planetarium

The Altazimuth Pavilion

Astronomy Park Masterplan

Statue Overlook

Great Equatorial Building

The Meridian Building

Flamsteed House

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Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth Rainwater and recirculated water collection tank Borehole water pump and storage tank Water treatment storage tanks and pump to water features Sliding security door and insulative plastic curtains Maintenance access corridor wide enough for forklift access to replace tanks Plant room accessible by existing park maintenance building Existing Pavilion Cafe merging with rear of site Vehicle access to site with parking along road

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Pavilion Cafe and Maintenance at Rear of Site, 1:500

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Basement Plant Room Plan

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1. Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth 2. Giraffe pattern stone tile surface, stepped walkway and seating 3. Grass surface stepped walkway and seating 4. Rotatable amateur astronomer positions for simple telescope setups 5. Short waterfall from pools, disappearing into earth, entering recirculation 6. Shadow gap and rainwater collection around external pathways 7. Subterranean entrance slanted to fit in landscape and with planted surfaces 8. Textured handrails guiding visitors through increasingly dark corridor 9. Cascading pools along corridor centre at 1° decline to entrance 10. Diverging corridor paths at narrowest and darkest turn, with textured handrail 11. Rainwater filter and overflow storage tank from Moondial dish 12. Waterfall chamber creating starlight spray effect, with astronomical clock 13. Seating cut into curving stone walls of the chamber 14. Sliding glass doors enclosing space beyond and reducing noise from waterfall 15. Twin dark corridors guided by distant light and textured handrails 16. Concealed entrances to Astronomer Spheres along wall without handrail 17. Sliding locked doors only accessible to astronomers, with telescope lift 18. Night Sky Outlooks framing the sky in an undisturbed, calm space 19. Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light shaft cut through wall

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Subterranean Spaces Plan

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1. Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth 2. Giraffe pattern stone tile surface, stepped walkway and seating 3. Grass surface stepped walkway and seating 4. Rotatable amateur astronomer positions for simple telescope setups 5. Short waterfall from pools, disappearing into earth, entering recirculation 6. Shadow gap and rainwater collection around external pathways 7. Subterranean entrance slanted to fit in landscape and with planted surfaces 8. Pathway above entrance giving a platform for panoramic views 9. Glass enclosed light aperture gap running above corridor and cascading pools 10. Reflecting water pool with light coloured porcelain tiled surface 11. Congregation and seating position at base of Moondial 12. The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish 13. Cascading pools along corridor centre at 1° decline to entrance 14. Waterfall chamber creating starlight spray effect, with astronomical clock 15. Seating cut into curving stone walls of the chamber 16. Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light shaft cut through wall 17. Sliding glass doors enclosing space below and reducing noise from outside 18. Night Sky Outlooks framing the sky in an undisturbed, calm space 19. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 20. Water filled moat around Astronomer Spheres to give privacy of separation 21. Exit passageway along reflective and experiential water features 22. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

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Stepped Gabion Entrance and Exit Plan

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1. Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth 2. Giraffe pattern stone tile surface, stepped walkway and seating 3. Grass surface stepped walkway and seating 4. Rotatable amateur astronomer positions for simple telescope setups 5. Short waterfall from pools, disappearing into earth, entering recirculation 6. Shadow gap and rainwater collection around external pathways 7. Subterranean entrance slanted to fit in landscape and with planted surfaces 8. Pathway above entrance giving a platform for panoramic views 9. Glass enclosed light aperture gap running above corridor and cascading pools 10. Reflecting water pool with light coloured porcelain tiled surface 11. Congregation and seating position at base of Moondial 12. The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish 13. Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below 14. Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups 15. Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool 16. Reflective pool with polished dark porcelain tile surface 17. Exit passageway with changing angled views of pools reflection of the sky 18. Grey tinted glass canopy covering passageway from rain 19. Grey tinted skylights of the Night Sky Outlooks 20. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 21. Water filled moat around Astronomer Spheres to give privacy of separation 22. Exit flanked by stepped waterfall, flowing increasingly rough into ground 23. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

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Moondial Plan

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Subterranean Spaces Plan North

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Stepped Entry and Exit Plan North

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Moondial Plan - Day

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Moondial Plan - Night

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Shadow gap and rainwater collection around external pathways Short waterfall from pools, disappearing into earth, entering recirculation Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth Pathway above entrance giving a platform for panoramic views Glass enclosed light aperture gap running above corridor and cascading pools

2

6. Reflecting water pool with light coloured porcelain tiled surface 7. Congregation and seating position at base of Moondial 8. Planted flower borders running around the Moondial pathways 9. 1100mm clear glass balustrade curing around the Moondial’s pathway base 10. Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups

North Elevation Entrance - Day

11. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 12. The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish 13. Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below 14. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

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North Elevation Entrance - Night

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5.

Dark corridor entrance guiding visitors with cascading pools and handrails Water channel circulating from water features back to plant room Shadow gap and rainwater collection around external pathways Pathway above entrance giving a platform for panoramic views Glass enclosed light aperture gap running above corridor and cascading pools

6. Reflecting water pool with light coloured porcelain tiled surface 7. Congregation and seating position at base of Moondial 8. Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth 9. 1100mm clear glass balustrade curing around the Moondial’s pathway base 10. Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups

Section AA

11. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 12. The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish 13. Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below 14. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

0

1

2.5m 1:100

1

2 3

5

13

4

12 11

6

8 7 10 9

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below The hollow ferrocement structure of the Moondial, minimising material use Light aperture gaps running along the waterfall wall top, separating the dish Water flowing into the chamber hidden from view in slanted upper wall

6. Serrated waterfall wall, creating spray of water as it hits each angled step 7. Pool at base of waterfall wall with the astronomical clock at its centre 8. Twin dark corridors guided by distant light and textured handrails 9. Water treatment storage tanks and pump to water features 10. Maintenance access corridor wide enough for forklift access to replace tanks

Section BB

11. Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups 12. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 13. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

0

1

2.5m 1:100

4

6 5

1

7 3

2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8

Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups Water filled moat around Astronomer Spheres to give privacy of separation Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool Light shaft running above and connecting the intersecting staircases below

6. Grey tinted glass canopy covering passageway from rain 7. Exit passageway with changing angled views of pools reflection of the sky 8. Exit flanked by stepped waterfall, flowing increasingly rough into ground

South Elevation Exit

0

1

2.5m 1:100

1 2

3 5 4

6

12

11

9

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Light shaft running above and connecting the intersecting staircases below Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool Grey tinted glass canopy covering passageway from rain Exit passageway with changing angled views of pools reflection of the sky Reflective pool with polished dark porcelain tile surface

8

7 10

6. Grey tinted skylights of the Night Sky Outlooks 7. Night Sky Outlooks framing the sky in an undisturbed, calm space 8. Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light shaft cut through wall 9. Concealed entrances to Astronomer Spheres along wall without handrail 10. Sliding locked doors only accessible to astronomers, with telescope lift

Section CC

11. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 12. Water filled moat around Astronomer Spheres to give privacy of separation

0

1

2.5m 1:100

1

2

3

4

5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

5

Light shaft running above and connecting the intersecting staircases below Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool Circular seating around rear water features, with space for telescope setups Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light shaft cut through wall Twin dark corridors guided by distant light and textured handrails

Section DD

0

1

2.5m 1:100

11 18

4

15 12 17

5

3

2

16

1

14

13

8 7

6

9

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1100mm clear glass balustrade curving around the Moondial’s pathway base The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish The hollow ferrocement structure of the Moondial, minimising material use Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below Serrated waterfall wall, creating spray of water as it hits each angled step

10

6. Pool at base of waterfall wall with the astronomical clock at its centre 7. Twin dark corridors guided by distant light and textured handrails 8. Seating cut into curving stone walls of the chamber 9. Water treatment storage tanks and pump to water features 10. Borehole water pump and storage tank

11. Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool 12. Light shaft running above and connecting the intersecting staircases below 13. Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light light shaft cut through wall 14. Sliding glass doors enclosing space below and reducing noise from outside 15. Grey tinted glass conopy covering passageway from rain

Section EE

15. Grey tinted glass conopy covering passageway from rain 16. Exit passageway with changing angled views of pools reflection of the sky 17. Exit flanked by stepped waterfall, flowing increasingly rough into ground 18. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

0

1

2.5m 1:100

16 15 25 14 28

13

34 27 33

32 29

31

30

26

10

17

9 11

19 19

3

7

18 8 12

20

6

5 2 4

24

21

1

23 22

23

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Short waterfall from pools, disappearing into earth, entering recirculation Stepped gabion walls with planted overgrowth Pathway above entrance giving a platform for panoramic views Cascading pools along corridor centre at 1° decline to entrance Textured handrails guiding visitors through increasingly dark corridor Repeating borders in the corridor frame the approach and progression Glass enclosed light aperture gap running above corridor and cascading pools

8. Diverging corridor paths at narrowest and darkest turn, with textured handrail 9. Congregation and seating position at base of Moondial 10. 1100mm clear glass balustrade curving around the Moondial’s pathway base 11. Rainwater is collected from runoff into gaps between the porcelain tiles 12. Rainwater filter and overflow storage tank from Moondial dish 13. The dark coloured polished porcelain tiles of the Moondial dish 14. The hollow ferrocement structure of the Moondial, minimising material use

15. Unenclosed aperture directing light into the waterfall chamber below 16. Water flowing into the chamber hidden from view in slanted upper wall 17. Serrated waterfall wall, creating spray of water as it hits each angled step 18. Seating cut into curving stone walls of the chamber 19. Twin dark corridors guided by distant light and textured handrails 20. Pool at base of waterfall wall with the astronomical clock at its centre 21. Water channel circulating from water features back to plant room

Section FF Subterranean Spaces - Day

22. Rainwater and recirculated water collection tank 23. Borehole water pump and storage tank 24. Water treatment storage tanks and pump to water features 25. Concave glass wall with reflective waterfall behind, flowing into pool 26. Intersecting staircases to exit, connected by light light shaft cut through wall 27. Sliding glass doors enclosing space below and reducing noise from outside 28. Grey tinted skylights of the Night Sky Outlooks

29. Night Sky Outlooks framing the sky in an undisturbed, calm space 30. Concealed entrances to Astronomer Spheres along wall without handrail 31. Sliding locked doors only accessible to astronomers, with telescope lift 32. Astronomer Spheres with mechanical telescope lift and mount 33. Water filled moat around Astronomer Spheres to give privacy of separation 34. Existing Pavilion Cafe garden merging into Moondial’s exit

0

1

2.5m 1:100

Light Aperture Corridor

Starlight On Water

Moon In The Night Sky

Ascending Into Night

Looking Out Over London

Quod est superius est sicut quod inferius ...

That which is above is like to that which is below ...

... Et quod inferius est sicut quod est superius ... and that which is below is like to that which is above