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Image: Project site |
The Stellar Odyssey: Astro Tourism and Research Observatory Center is a unique project combining science, education, and tourism. Located in Bhanga, Faridpur, Bangladesh, at 23°26'12.3"N, 90°00'00.0"E, this center sits at one of the world’s most remarkable geographic intersections. It is one of only 12 points globally where three latitude lines intersect with four longitude lines. Out of these, ten are over oceans, one is in the Sahara Desert, and the only easily accessible land point is in Bhanga. Here, the Tropic of Cancer meets the 90-degree east longitude line. |
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Architecture and Astronomy: A Historical Perspective From ancient structures like Stonehenge and Jantar Mantar to today’s high-tech observatories, architecture has always played a key role in exploring the skies. This project blends historical knowledge with modern technology to create an observatory that is both practical and a source of national pride. It draws inspiration from different eras: |
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Image: Significant milestone in space exploration |
Image: Some astronomical organizations in Bangladesh |
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1. Ancient India: Jantar Mantar shows how science and spirituality came together for precise celestial observations. 2. Islamic Golden Age: Observatories like Ulugh Beg in Samarkand used advanced tools to improve astronomy. 3. Modern Times: Organizations like NASA, ESA, and SpaceX are leading space exploration, promoting teamwork across nations. |
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Image: Global archaeoastronomy (from East to West) |
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Bangladesh's Astronomical Contributions: Despite limited resources, Bangladesh has made notable progress in astronomy. Organizations like BDOAA, BAA, BAS, and Anushandhitshu Chokro promote scientific curiosity and education. Achievements such as contributions to the James Webb Space Telescope and success in international rover challenges highlight the nation's growing potential in space sciences and commitment to advancing research. In the coming days, this progress is expected to expand further. Scope of Work: Project Goal: To create a multifaceted center that combines research, education, and tourism, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of astronomers in Bangladesh. |
Image: Goal identification |
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Research Questions: · How can the center tackle geographic and environmental challenges? · How can its design spark public interest and promote education? · How can the cross-sectional layout strengthen connections with people? · What architectural styles and forms are suitable for a rural site like this? · How can the center be built on flat agricultural land with minimal disruption? |
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Image: Phase development diagram |
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Idea Formation: To create a center that integrates research, education, and tourism, celebrating site's unique geography, fostering innovation, and inspiring future astronomers. The center will promote science education, advanced technology, and a memorable visitor experience, and inspiring the next generation of astronomers in Bangladesh.
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Image: Phase model |
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Image: Planetarium projector evolution |
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Conceptual Statement: Over the past 43 years, SPARRSO has demonstrated excellence in fields like agricultural research, disaster monitoring, GIS applications, and natural resource management. However, its focus on pure space research has been limited due to a lack of resources, manpower and space enthusiasts. This emphasizes the critical need to inspire a new generation of passionate individuals to revitalize this sector. Albert Einstein's quote, "Imagination is more important than knowledge" serves as a guiding principle for this project, emphasizing creativity and innovation as essential tools for progress. The goal is to inspire young minds to explore the vastness of the universe through a design that immerses them in a world of imagination, sparking curiosity and ambition. By connecting the limitless potential of imagination to tangible opportunities, this project aspires to shape future leaders in Bangladesh's astronomical endeavors. |
Image: Concept diagram |
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Image: Spacetime curvature, from blackhole to wormhole |
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Astronomy inspires us to explore beyond boundaries, making the universe our ultimate frontier. This project imagines exploring beyond our solar system into the mysteries of the galaxy. Inspired by wormholes—cosmic tunnels connecting distant places—the design uses them as a symbol of endless possibilities. While their true nature is unknown, wormholes represent curiosity and the drive to explore the unknown space time curvature, forming the heart of the project’s concept. |
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Image: Sunpath diagram |
Image: Landuse map |
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Design Considerations The project integrates imagination, functionality, and the natural environment to inspire astronomy and connect people to the cosmos. 1. Architectural Form and Integration: Guided by the site’s cardinal line at 23.5N, 90E, the design uses Natural slopes and a partially underground base are incorporated, ensuring minimal environmental disruption and a harmonious integration with the landscape. It balances cosmic symbolism with functionality, fostering learning and exploration. 2.Design Development Diagrams: Diagrams highlight the architectural progression and spatial organization, emphasizing the central plaza’s role as a focal point connecting people to the universe. |
Image: Design development diagram |
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Functional Linkage & Zoning: The project comprises distinct zones for research, training, exhibitions, and accommodation:
· Block 01: Gallery-based, inspired by wormholes. · Block 02: Exploration-focused, inspired by spacetime curvature. |
Image: Program distribution |
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Image: Functional linkage & zoning |
Entry from the west leads to ticketing and security blocks, followed by museum blocks with basements for additional space. On the east, the research and training centers feature basements for parking and facilities, with the training center’s upper floor providing accommodation. |
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Image: Masterplan |
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Image: Floor plans |
Image: Axonometric exploded zoning |
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Image: East & west elevation |
Image: Sections |
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Jury Statements: The jurors appreciated the project for its thoughtful connection between the celestial point and human activity, using elements like the interactive sundial to engage visitors. They highlighted the student’s strong research, clear thinking, and ability to make the celestial coordinate a key design feature rather than just a symbol. The concept to inspire young minds to explore the vastness of the universe and lead the future of the astronomy sector was deeply thoughtful and aimed at creating a lasting enthusiasm for space exploration. |
Image: Phase model |
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Image: Museum block interior view |
Image: Research center interior view |
Image: Museum center interior view |
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The project was praised for its meaningful context, concept and blending storytelling with real and scientific facts. The sloping design harmonized with the landscape, reducing disruption and ensuring efficient functionality. Attention to ventilation and efforts to address challenges through reasonable solutions were also commended. |
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Image: Astronomy museum: museum block 1 (gallery-based) |
Image: Plaza to block 2 |
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Image: View towards the central plaza |
Image: View of central plaza from west (sunset) |
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Image: Night view of the project toward Observatory |
| Contributor: Ar. Faiza Fairooz |
