Drawing inspiration from the continuous elliptical movement of the stars, the new cultural sight of the city of Douai, in northern France, is located between the river Scarpe and the Arkéos archaeological museum. The composition of curved lines envelops the two domes: that of the screening room and that of the observatory. The objective of the project is to show the building’s program and function from outside, through its forms.

A gently sloping ramp visible from the exterior through the partly translucent facade connects the different levels. For its part, the elliptical central courtyard provides a focal point within the complex, allowing crossed views between different spaces. The visitor route is a smooth flow from the entrance to the immersion room, passing through the gift shop and the exhibition space. The planetarium’s outer skin is integrated into the environment through the use of the same materials applied in nearby constructions, combining wood, the rust color of the steel parasols, and the light gray PVC membrane that coats the dome of the screnning room.