Surrounded by the Arkéos museum, the river Scarpe, a major road axis, and a small residential area, the new Planetarium and Observatory of Douaisis is designed to be a visual signal while keeping the natural aspect of the site. The dome of the planetarium, noticeable from the main road, and the observatory, protected by the intimacy of the riverside, are gravitating together as a new landmark in Douai. The architectural concept is inspired by astronomy and the elliptic movement of the stars. This direction is kept for the design of the outdoor spaces and also defines the articulation of the indoor spaces from the entrance located on the northern part of the building to the projection dome in the south, going through the reception area, the shops, the exhibition areas, and the amphitheater. The central outdoor patio provides a focal point within the project, allowing transparency between the different spaces and efficiently contributing to the unification of the various programs. To bring the visitors back to the ground from the first floor, the curtain wall, covered with steel panel louvers, revolves around the edifice and shelters a slightly inclined ramp behind the building’s translucent facade...[+]