PLANETARIUM HYPERSPHERE

FOR

MIDLAND / ODESSA , TEXAS

BY

JASON DEAN

A
Thesis
in
Architecture
Submitted to the Architecture Faculty
of the College of Architecture
of Texas Tech University in
partial fulfillment for
the Degree of

^--Bach^lor of Airchitectui

Programming Instructor^(ARCH 4395): Prof. D. Driskill

Design Critic (ARCH 4692): Prof. D. Driskill

Accepted

Dean, College of .Architecture

Month, \ ear
 VIEWING A NEW GEOMETRY
THROUGH A PLANETARIUM HYPERSPHERE
he
lot.Z Acknowledstnents

r\o
This program is dedicated to my parents andfamily,
who have encouraged me to achieve my goats and
who have taught me that nothing is beyond my grasp.
If it were not for your support, spiritually
andfinancially, I would not be here today. Thank
you for the love and support that you have given
me over the years.
J.D.
PREFACE Table of Contents

TABLE OF C O N T E N T S

Preface
Table of Contents
Abstract
Thesis Statement
Facility Type
Context Statement
Project Scope

Chapter I Thesis Issues 1

Fractal Geometry 2

Chapter II Facility Program Issues 4

Circulation As An Issue 5
Intergration Into The Site As An Issue 6
Activity / Spatial Analysis 7

Chapter HI Contextual Issues 16

Facility Environment As An Issue 17
Community Linkage As An Issue 18
Site / Survey Maps 19
Climatic Data 23

Chapter IV Space Summary 24

Space Summary Chart 25
Space Relationships (Diagrams) 27
Economic Analysis 32

Bibliography 33
PREFACE Thesis Abstract

Project Scope

Scope
This program is a schematic design program. It contains the issues which will impact
the design for the proposed Planetarium Hypersphere and Museum, for the cities of
Midland/Odessa, Texas. The design built out of adjacent and connected leasable spaces
is not included in this program and thus not in the scope of the subsequent design
solution.

Purpose
The purpose of this program is to convey an understanding of the design projcci prior
to its solution. This document serves as a record of the issue-addressing process, and is
for agreement and approval. This program will also document and \\ ill assist the
designer and instructors through the identification of critical design issues and the
requirements upon which the design solution should be based. It also defines the area
requirements and adjacency needs of the proposed Planetarium and Museum.
The information provided within was developed to comey functional requirements
and other information necessai)' to provide a prelimmaiy description of the proposed
scope of the project Suggestions made regarding vehicular access, existing buildings.
floor areas, utilities, etc., are provided for informational purposes onh'. and are not
intended to inhibit options available to tlie designer.

Informational Sources
Site information is courtes) of Rhotenbeny, Wellen .Architects, and the cities of
Midland and Odessa Planning Dept., Site Photography b\- Jason Dean. Design cntena
lor the OMNIMAX was supplied b\ the associates of the LNL\X Corporation in Toronto,
Canada. Design criteria for the h\ persphcre was supplied by the peoples at both Spity.
lnc(ii-poialcJ in Chadds Ford, Pa., and .Vstro-tec Manufacturing in Canal Fulton, Ohio
Ivaw data on the niCilSTAR Star ball svstems supplied by E\ans and Sutherland, in Sah
1 ake Cil\, Utah
PREFACE Thesis Abstract

Thesis Statement

Thesis Process
5S
Initial research is the study of fractal geometry in architecture.

Emergent Direction
Exploration of fractal geometry and its elegance as a new field of stud\ to
architectural design and its melding with Euclidean geometry.

Thesis Statement

/ believe there is an appropriateness between fractal and Euclidean geometries, and

that it should be celebrated through the field of geometry, architecture.

Non Euclidean Geometry in Architecture

A definition I have synthesized:

Fractal- The mathematical concept of a fractal

characterizes objects with structures
on vanous scales, large as well as
small, and thus rotlects a hierarchical
principal of organization: Fractals are
self similar, meaning they do not change
their appearance sienificaniK when
viewed under a microscope, Tho> are
complex dynamic s\ stems, such as
clouds, the universe, and an\ number of
wonderfijl phenomena. .rJ-.l

N
PREFACE Thesis Abstract

Facility Type and Context Statement

Project
Planetarium Hypersphere and Museum

Client
The Cities of Midland/Odessa, Texas.

Users
The citizens of Midland/Odessa and surrounding areas.

Location
Between Midland and Odessa, near the Midland International Airport.

Context Statement
The mission of this programming effort is to identity, clarify, and quantif\' the
requirements and concepts for the proposed Planetarium Hypersphere and Museum. It is
also to integrate with the site as well as immediate surroundings. The facility must
function as a learning institution as well as a place of entertainment.

•5^
CHAPTER I Thesis Issue

Fractal Geometn"

ij^f'^'sS'

^.
CHAPTER I Thesis Issues

Fractal Geometry

The mathematical concept of a fractal characterizes objects with structures on various

scales, large as well as small, and this reflects a hierarchical principal of organization.
Fractals are self similar, meaning they do not change their appearance significantly when
viewed under a microscope. The word fractal comes from a series of other similar
words, such as fractured or fractional. In the past, people like Galileo have stated that
complex dynamic systems have no place in our scientific view of nature. In 1984. Benoit
Mandelbrot developed the notion of fractal, he said:

Why is geometry often described as cold and dry? One reason lies in
the inability to describe the shape of a cloud, a mountain, a coastline, or
a tree. Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are
not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel m a straight
line. Nature exhibits not simply a higher degree but an altogether different
level of complexity. The number of distinct scales of length ofpatterns is
for all purposes infinite.

The existence of these patterns challenges us to study those forms that

Euclid leaves aside as being formless, to investigate the morphology of the
amorphous. Mathematics have disdained this cliallenge, however, and liavc
increasingly chosen to flee from nature by devising theories unrelated to
anything we can see or feel. (Peitgen et ai, 1986, pV)

Throughout history humans have seen science and art as opposites. One is analytical
and the other is intuitive, according to most. In recent \ ears there has been a movement
to seek out complexity and natural phenomena and to understand it. The thinkers of
today are no longer satisfied with discovering basic laws and understanding how the
world works in principle. They want to discover and find out the ways pnnciples show
themselves in reality. By no means are the laws of science and nature invalid, they just
have more to be discovered about them, meaning the less obvious or hidden. (IBED.,pi)
CHAPTER I Thesis Issue

Fractal Geometry

The computer has helped people to see that complex systems that appear to have no
order, do infact, have an order and are not just arbitrary happenings. Chaos is a system
that has gone out of control or is so complex we are only begirming, if so, to understand
it. The key word here, in my view, is system. A system implies a group of interacting,
interrelated elements which form a complex whole. Putting the word chaos and system
in the same sentence sounds like a paradox.

On the computer, for instance, a sequence is determined by its initial value, but cannot be
predicted other than letting it run. The initial order turns into chaos, a nonlinear
phenomenon. Discoveries in the order if chaos has created hope that nonlinear
phenomena may not be out of reach of systematic scientific classification. Fractals teach
us to think in terms of pictures, not compasses and T-squares. The following poem sets
the tone for fractals. (IBID, p2-4)

Mysterious in the light of day, ^

Nature retains her veil, despite our clamors:
That which she doth not willingly display.
Cannot be wrenchedfrom her with levers, screws, and hammers.
(IBID,p4)

When people talk about fractals, they need to understand that a fractal is a pattern
within a nonpattem system, as odd as that may be. It is a higher order than the order we ^
are used to. It is said that the most interesting area is between stability and the 5|
incomprehensible disorder of these complex dynamical systems. The study of fractals
has taught us that they occur in virtually everything, the universe as it expands, leaves
behind a fractal trail of stars and galaxies that consist of turbulent gasses. Even, time we
look deeper into the universe, it is virtually the identical rvvin at a smaller scale.

Fractals are also a phenomena that exhibit an extreme sensitivity to their initial
conditions, and surroundings. Stating that a slight variance in their beginning \ lelds a
very magnified difference in their fates.
CHAPTERH Facility Program Issues

Circulation As An Issue
Integration Into The Site As An Issue
Activity / Spatial Analysis
CHAPTER H Facility- Prosram Issues

Circulation

Circulation as an Issue
I feel that it is very important for a facility of this nature to have a free flowing
systematic circulation. In order for the building to justify its cost, circulation is a main
concern. The facility needs to maximize on the amount of people they can put through
the planetarium in a minimal amount of time. There is need for smooth circulation
because if everything runs smoothly, the facility will see repeat visitors, which is more
money to justify the cost of the planetarium hypersphere. This facility must be
handicapped accesible because these people also bring an income to the facility.
Circulation that runs smoothly means that more people get to enjoy some of the worlds
most technologically advanced audio and visual equipment.

CIRCULATION
DIAGRAM . - m

ril:

^
CHAPTER 11 Facility Prosram Issues

Integration With Site

Integration With Site

.-J -
Architecture can be great above ground, but when you have a flat barren site it is
difficult to have sfrong architecture that works with the surroundings and site. Therefore,
I felt that the site in Midland/Odessa is a perfect place to integrate a planetarium
hypersphere and a flat topography. If the process is carried out right the visitors may go
below/above grade and even be outside, shaded, and still be below grade. This issue can
also address the concept of the strong west Texas winds with a below grade buffer.

^
CHAPTER H F4 en TTY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activit\' Anah'sis

ACTTVITY / SPACE

OF THE

PLANETARIUM HYPERSPHERE
CHAPTER II FA CILITY PROGRAM ISSUES

. _ ^ Space / Activity Analysis

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT
Full Time Staff

Director of Operations Office

The directors office is the center of operations. This office is to serve as the think
tank for the planetarium. It should have a direct access to the secretarial pool, other
offices and should have an indirect access to the rest of the planetarium hypersphere.
This is not to be an interactive space between public and administrative staff. The office
needs enough space for a desk, book cases, computer, filing cabinets, and a small, two
chair conference table; a view to the outside is recommended.

Net Floor Area: 150sf

Director of Personnel
The directors office is also one that is a part of the center of all the administrative
activity. This office is to serve as a think tank for the employees and their schedules.
Conducting job interviews and setting salaries also is done here. There will only be one
person for this space. It should have a direct access to the secretarial pool and it should
be in close adjacency with other offices and administrative staff. It should have an
indirect access to the rest of the planetarium. This is not to be an interactive space with
the public but easily accessible for job hunters. The office needs enough space for a
desk, book cases, computer, filing cabinets, and a small two chair conference table; a
view to the outside is recommended.

Net Floor Area: 150sf

Secretarial Pool
This space is to consist of two secretaries and the staff they support. The space is to
be as center for the administrators and the rest of the administrative staff. The pool is to
have direct access to all administrative spaces within the planetarium. It should have a
relatively close adjacency to the rest of the planetarium, or easy access to it. this is a
fairly interactive space among the administrative staff. Connection with other coworkers
in the same area is to be encouraged. The space needs enough space for tvvo desks with
computers, a small conference table with two chairs, and possibly partition the work
spaces.

Net Floor Area: 300sf

CHAPTER II FACIUTYPROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analysis

Receptionists Space
This area needs to be adjacent to the administrative areas and the interactive area
inside the planetarium. It is to be in direct adjacency with offices. It is to be accessible
without entering into the planetarium or a gallery. Typing/word processing , telephone
reception, and clerical activity will occur here. This will be a fairiy interactive space
between the receptionist, administration and the public. Things that need to be designed
for this area are; the reception desk which can be part of the building, a computer,
telephone command counter and comfortable lounge furniture.

Net Floor Area: 300sf 1

OMNIMAX/DIGISTAR Managers Office

This space is for the person that schedules the arrival and departure of the
OMNIMAX films. He makes sure the equipment is in working order and oversees
production of the films. The same is done for the DIGISTAR presentations. This space
should have direct access to both the administrative offices and the planetanum
hypersphere. It should also be adjacent to dark room/storage room for reproduction
purposes. It should have indirect access to the main circulation and interactive space.
this space needs to be big enough for a desk, computer, two chairs or a small
conference/layout table.

Net Floor Area: 150sf

Reproduction and Film Development

This space is in conjunction with the OMNIMAX/DIGISTAR managers office: it is
the space where some films can spliced and even own presentations created. This space
is to only be used by the OMNIMAX manager and programmers. It is adjacent to the
OMNIMAX managers office, senior programmers office and the planetanum. Things to
be designed for the area are the basic contents of a dark room and storage space.

Net Floor Area: 200sf

Senior Programmers Office

The purpose of this space is for the senior programmer to compile and develop
strategies for presenting and building exhibits. Writing new demonstrations and
coordinating the exhibits from arrival to set up and take down. Both exhibit areas should
be in direct access to the programmers office. The programmers office should possibly
be in ck)se adjacency to the other office. This space is not to be an interactiNC space but
CHAPTER II ^ FA CILITY PROGR.AM ISSUES

Space / Actrvity Analysis

to top administrators. Furnishings include computer work stations, printers, filing

cabinets, desks, and bookshelves.

Net Floor Area: 300sf

Place for Receiving and Settin2 UP Exhibits

This space is for the programmers, volunteers and freight workers. The space requires
an immediate relafionship to the galleries and shipping areas, since the exhibits are
unloaded directly into the exhibit galleries. An unloading and loading area for large semi
tractor frailers should be designed for the acfivity of unloading/loading. This must occur
at the level the gallery is located on . Construction is also an activity in the space.
Storage to the area should be accounted for. Furnishings include shop tools, forklifl,
crates, palettes, other shipping containers and space for exhibits being shipped.

Net Floor Area: 600sf

Conference Room
This space is to be used to discuss, sell, and coordinate large projects, presentations,
etc. This space will be used for anyone of the administrators or personnel that needs to
coordinate large projects. This place is to be closely placed to offices and should be in
fairly close proximity to the center of all offices. This is not a publicly interactive place,
only for the staff. Furnishings include a slide projection area and screen, and a executive
table with chairs. The space needs to accommodate approximately 12-15 people. This
space should have access to public areas.

Net Floor Areas: 400sf

Staff Lounge
This space is to accommodate all of the administrators and staff for relaxation and
conversation. The space will be in close proximity to the administrative offices and
secretarial pool. This space should be designed for 10-12 people. This space will be
highly interacfive among staff but will not be a public space in any way Furnishings
include a large table, comfortable chairs, and possibly a coffee maker. Furnishings also
include a kitchenette, refrigerator, microwave, and vending machines.

Net Floor Area: 350sf

10
CHAPTER II FA CILITY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analysis

STAFF PERSONNEL
Workshop Coordinators Area
This is the place where schedules and promotion workshops take place. This is where
dealing with admissions agents discuss selling tickets/providing information, and direct
guests to correct events. This is a space for both administrators and the public.
Adjacencies are administration, the planetarium hypersphere, and the exhibit galleries.

Net Floor Area: 200sf

Volunteers Area
This space is for volunteers that work the floor of the exhibit galleries. They assist in
planetarium presentations and assist in workshops. This space is to be in between the
public interactive spaces and the administration. It should have direct access to the
spatial events and indirect access to the administration area.

Net Floor Areas: 200sf

11
CHAPTER II FACIUTY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analysis

AREAS OF PUBLIC INTERACTION

Main Entrv/Fover Area
This place is to aquaint the visitors with the planetarium hypersphere. Virtually
everyone in the planetarium will be using this space. The area has immediate
adjacencies to the public restrooms, the box office/admissions area, and the cafe and gift
shop. There should be a visual link between the event and the visitor when he enters the
building. This space will be a highly interactive space for both staff and visitors. Design
possibilities may be to have a light drenched room preferably filled with north light or
morning sun. Furnishings included may be benches strategically located.

Net Floor Area: 800sf

Admissions Office
This space is for the adminisfrative staff and the public interacfion. Both become
familiar with each other. The place is for ticket sales to a certain event. It has direct
access to all of the events and is in close proximity to the offices and the connection can
be direct or fairiy indirect. Furnishings/storage needs for the area are as follows: space
for agent, cash register, safe, telephone, and computer. The immediate adjacencies
located here is the administration, the planetarium hypersphere and both exhibit gallenes.

Net Floor Area: lOOsf

Orientation/Circulation Area
The participants are the museum visitors and administrative staff. This interaction
area is a prelude and foreshadowing of what is to come inside the hypersphere/museum.
A goal is to lay this space out so that one reaches a given point inside by passing through
a sequence of realms. Mark each space with a type of gateway that announces what is
going on inside. This space is the direct access to most of the events and offices, other
adjacencies included are the public restrooms, box office/admissions area, cafe and gift
shop. Furnishings and storage include an enclosed display area, secunts guard, and
maintenance storage.

Net Floor Area: 3,000sf

 CHAPTER II FA CILITY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analysis

Traveling Exhibits Area

This is the area where traveling exhibits will be displayed in this gallery. The gallery
itself is an interactive museum which educates about cosmology and the umverse. The
participants include the planetarium visitors, volimteers, programmers, and
administrative staff. This area is a direct access from the circulation area and indirectly
from the admissions, public resfrooms and the permanent interactive exhibition gallery.

Net Floor Area: 2,000sf + lOOsf (for storage) = 2,100sf

Permanent Exhibits Area

This area is very similar to the traveling exhibition area. The gallery space will be
interacfive and one which educates visitors about the elements of cosmology and the
universe. Here, I intend to use the fractal materials marble, copper (and its pafina), and
wood. The theme here will be ofthe planetarium and its holdings. Use of porches and
balconies to this area will be a nice effect. Open flowing spaces and closed static spaces.
Special glazed fenestration is a must to block ultraviolet rays. Immediate adjacencies are
the traveling exhibition gallery and in close proximity is the administration, admissions,
public restrooms, and the senior programmers office.

Net Floor Area: 8,000sf + 500sf (for storage) - 8,500sf

OMNIMAX/DIGISTAR Planetarium Hypersphere

This space is the focus ofthe whole complex. It 3er, es as the hub of the wheel as
everything revolves around it. The users are the staff at times, and visitors ofthe
planetanum through all hours ofthe day. Within direct access ofthe planetanum are the
OMNIMAX managers office, circulafion area, admissions, and both exhibition areas.
The planetarium will be the most interactive space of all because the planetanum will be
eager to amaze the visiting audience with high technology and an astoundmg sound
system made up of over 100 speakers; some of them going as low as 18 Hz!

Net Floor Area: 17,000sf

13
CHAPTER II ^ FACILITY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analysis

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

Gift Shop
This space is self explanatory. It features a theme in accordance with what the
planetarium is presenting. The space will be predominantly informative and educational
with souvenirs and promotional items with the theme ofthe planetarium. Traveling
exhibition trinkets will also be up for sale in the gift shop. The users are predominantly
visitors but staff and administrators will also be curious about what is inside. Furnishings
include moveable displays, counters, built in shelves, cash register, and stock storage.
Adjacencies are the main entry, public restrooms, the circulation area, and the
loading/unloading area.

Net Floor Area: l,400sf

Cafe
This place speaks for itself People will eat, converse, and visit. This space will also
provide short order grilled food for the guests to purchase. The space needs to be
designed for 60-80 people. Tables, chairs, and covered outdoor seating would be a nice
effect. The short order kitchen consists of food storage, storage, freezer, microwave,
stovetop oven, and various appliances. Food preparation and staging area. Adjacencies
are the main entry, circulation area, loading/unloading area, and public restrooms.

Net Floor Area: l,500sf

Security Office and Information Booth

This is the space where the security guard monitors the events taking place in the
planetarium. Video cameras will be included in design. This space can be fairly but
remotely interactive as some people may go out of their way to learn about the structure.
Adjacencies are the main entry, the circulation area, and the admissions box office.

Net Floor Area: 60-70sf

Custodial Office and Storage

This space is for the janitor and his cleaning tools. This space is to be hidden in a
back hallway or area thai is not a high traffic area. Because there is a sink in the storage
room, a common wall with the kitchen or bathroom may be a good design element.
Furnishings are a sink and a floor drain. A floor finish does not need to be mcluded

14
CHAPTER II FA CILITY PROGRAM ISSUES

Space / Activity Analvsis

because it is a service space and will not be seen. The participants will be 1-3 janitors.
This space needs to be a direct access to loading/unloading.

Net Floor Area: 80sf

"i

IS
CHAPTER III Contextual Issues

Facility Environment As An Issue

Community Linkage As An Issue
Site Survey / Maps
Climatic Data
CHAPTER III Contextual Issues

Facility Environment As An Issue

Planetarium Environment
The aesthetics and technology of a planetarium are of great importance for it to be a
success. In the past, just the planetarium was the focus of design and engineering.
Today, many people feel that outside the planetarium is just as important. When many
shows are presented daily, waiting plays a handsome role in the process. So to keep
these people occupied there must be something else to focus on and talk about.
(Johnson, p. 19)

The atmosphere must be one of dominance. This leaves the visitor inspired and
anxious to his/her next visit to see what will fascinate them. Technology is the key
ingredient here. If all ofthe proper ingredients are added one can create a masterpiece to
boggle the mind and excite the spirit.

Natural light is not much of a factor here but artificial lighting can set almost any
mood and better yet, can be controlled, not just manually, but by computer, This is
another technological touch to impress the visitors.

Natural light is often a great tension reliever. If any ofthe visitors have acquired a
feeling of claustrophobia or nausea, (this is possible inside the OMNIMAX) they can go
get a bit of fresh air and relax and calm their nerves on a balcony or patio.

17 t
CHAPTER III Contextual Issues

Community Linkage As An Issue

Community Linkage As An Issue

Many communities, large and small, may be located right next door to each other or a
few hundred miles apart. Regardless of this, tiiey may have a facility that is located
anywhere that will link and bring these places together. Midland/Odessa is such a place.
The communities are similar in some ways but very different in others. One is known as
a white collar town and the other one is known as a blue collar town. Between the two,
the only link is a small airport directly in between them. I feel the introduction of a
planetarium will help to link these two diverse cities and introduce the concept of future
development to unite and link the two cities.

18
CHAPTER HI Contextual Issues

Site Survey /Maps

ter For Energy

mic DIversincatlon
Tve LMVERSJTY O . I E X A S PERM.AN SASI^

PHASE I
SITE LOCATION

1^)
CHAPTER HI Contextual Issues

Site Survey/Maps

;o
CHAPTER HI Contextual Issues

Site Surv ey / Maps

THE CErfTER FOR ENERGY *#

AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
THE UNIVERSn"Y OF TEXAS
PERMrAN BASIN MASTER PLAN
®
CHAPTER HI Contextual Issues

Site Surrey / Maps

CHAPTER III Contextual Issues

Climatic Data

Climatic Data

Elevation 2862 ft above sea level

Latitude N31dgs .56'

Longitude W 102 dgs. 12"

Winter Spnng Summer Fall

Temperature 45.3 55.0 79.6 74.3

Degree Days 589 348 5 612

Prevailing Winds (SSE/yr) SW S SSE SSE

Avg. Wind Speed (111.1/yr) lO.I 12.7 12.2 10.2

Precipitation (yrly) 14.84"

Snowfall (yrly) 4.4"

23
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Summary Chart

Space Relationships (Diagrams)
Economic Analysis

24
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Summary Chart

SPACE NET #0F NET LSE

S.F. SPACES S.F. S.F.

Administration Department
Director of Operations Office 150 150 180

Director of Personnel 150 150 180

Secretarial Pool 300 300 360

Receptionists Space 300 300 360

OMNIMAX/DIGISTAR Managers Office 150 150 180

Reproduction and Film Development 200 200 240

Senior Programmers Office 300 300 360

Place for Receiving and Setting Up Exhibits 600 600 720

Conference Room 400 400 480

Staff Lounge 350 350 420

TOTAL 2900 3300

Staff Personnel
Workshop Coordinators Area 200 200 240

200 200 240

Volunteers Area
TOTAL 400 480

25
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Summary Chart

Areas of Public Interaction

Main Entry/Foyer Area 800 1 800 960

Admissions Office 100 1 100 120

Orientation/Circulation Area 3,000 1 3,000 3,600

Traveling Exhibits Area 2,100 1 2,100 2,520

Permanent Exhibits Area 8,500 1 8,500 10,200

OMNIMAX/DIGISTAR Planetarium 17,000 1 17,000 20,400

TOTAL 31,500 37300

Service Department
1,400 1 1,400 1,680
Gift Shop
1,500 1 1,500 1,800
Cafe

Security Office and Information Booth 70 1 70 84

80 1 80 96
Custodial Office and Storage
TOTAL 3,050 3,660

37,850 45,240
Overall Totals
Gross Useable S.F. X 1.2 = 54,288
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Tlelationsbips

Administrative Branch i^
The axiministrative branch should have direct accessfi-omthe main entr^ce ofthe
planetarium but should not detractfromthe main event i.e., the planetariu^ and the
permanent exhibits galleries. The views out ofthe buildings should addresi the site
entrance for security reasons. )

27
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Relationships

Staff Personnel Branch

The staff personnel branch should be located adjacent to administration and located
wdthin the planetarium. The staff personnel should radiate around the administration
branch.

28
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Relationships

Public Interaction Branch

The primary ftmction is to circulate the visitors through this area with no
discrepancies. This space must be in direct access from street and parking lots. It must
also weave around the administrative area in a manner that excites the incoming visitors.

29
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Space Relationships

Service Department
This area is to focus upon the visitors but accommodate the administrative department
also. This area is to be located in a maimer that will service the public interaction areas
and the administrative department.

30
CHAPTER IV Snace Summary

Space Relationships

Overall Relationships
This diagram is not a set schematic diagram. It is only conceptual, but places all
spaces in a relatively working relationship.

31
CHAPTER IV Space Summary

Economic Analysis

Economic Analvsis

Planetarium Totals S.F. Cost / S.F. Total

37,850 80.20 $3,035,570

Total Building Cost % of Construction Cost Total

Building Cost — $2,944,502

OMNIMAX Projector — $1,000,000

DIGISTAR Projector — $895,000

1.30 $507,000
Land
5% $147,225
Site Work
9% $265,005
Construction Loan

5% 5147,225
Contingency
$5^99,464
Total Construction Cost

32
Bibliosraphv

Bamsley, Michael. Fractals Everywhere. Academic Press, Inc.: New York. 1988.

Blackwell, William. Geometry in Architecture. John Wiley & Sons: New York. 1984.

Briggs, John. Fractals. The Patterns of Chaos. Simon & Schuster: New York. 1992.

Dendel, Esther Warner. Designing from Nature A Source Book for Artists & Craftsmen.
Taplinger Publishing Company: New York. 1978.

Gleick, James. Chaos, Making a New Science. Penguin Books: New York. 1988.

Johnson, Dell. Hayden Planetarium. Penguin Books: New York. 1970.

Lockwood, E. H. MacMillan, R. H. Geometric Symmetn/. Cambridge University Press:

New York. 1978.

Pearce, Peter Structure in Nature is a Strategy for Design. The MIT Press: Cambridge.
1978.

Peitgen, H. O. Richter, P. H. The Beauty of Fractals. Spnnger-Verlag: New York. 1986.

* All activities and number of participants are taken from and based on similar museums
serving comparable demographics.

33
Thesis Conclusion

As stated earlier in the program, the mission was to identify, quantify and clarify the
requirements and concepts for the proposed planetarium. The issues aforementioned earher were
to govern and drive the resultant design scheme. These five issues resulted in a collage of
possibilities as they were first researched, each as one separate entity. Then w ere viewed as a
whole which set the design stage.

The first issue, and the primary driver, was to introduce a new geometn, not that of
Euclid, but that of mathematicians from the past thirty years or so. This is the geometr> of
namely Benoit Mandelbrot, Georg Cantor, Edward Lorenz and Jules Poincare'. The Stud\ of
architecture and Fractal geometry has, to say the least, been attempted onl\- m meager efforts.
My attempt may also be just that. But through study of Chaos Theory and nonlinear dynamics I
feel I have a strong grasp on the science. The word "fractal" was derived through a collaboration
ofthe words fragmented, fractured and fractional. Through my design I used some ofthe
Euclidean shapes, in an organic and timeless form, and fractured them in a manner that wa.s
developed by Cantor This being known as the Cantor Dust Scaling. All measurements within
the "temple of celestial worship and knowlege" were based on thirds and then taking a third of
that unit and fracturing it into thirds and so on at many scales.

The second driver was the focus on circulation for maximizing ofthe occupanc\ time
ratio for capital recovery. This resulted in the strategic placement ofthe planetanum and the
myriad of exhibits and museums located throughout the edifice. User control was ke\ to
maximize the viewing of both atfractions for a set fee.

The integration with the site is the most apparent issue without discussion, the scheme
was derived from the fractal studies of tire average temperature, prevailing wind \ clocitics and
socioeconomic structures ofthe two cities. The result also was derived from the concept that the
various sun worshippping cultures all used building forms that were constructed ot earthen
materials in an organic, yet technological manner.
 The facility environment as an issue is one that will bring back repeat users. This means
that the planetarium environment is to appear to be on the leading edge of technolog>, }et still
not have a detiimental effect on the timeless aspect ofthe project. All OMNIMAX Digistar
equipment is some of, and if not, the most advanced on the planet. This issue constitues tiie
aformentioned along with computer controlled lighting, HVAC, exhibits and any other "high
tech" equipment that will leave the user astonised and in awe.

The project was strategically located in an area that will make it possible for people from
two cities, each having a population of approximately 100,000 people, to be linked together.
Also offering this same service to the smaller surrounding urban fabrics.

All in all, I feel that the project will bring enjoyment, and know ledge to the people ofthe
Permian Basin and indulge them to explore the heavens and themselves at a higher le\ el.
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