Reaching for the stars

In late 2011 the Haus der Astronomie was opened for the public to marvel at. With its spectacular spiral shape following that of a dynamic galaxy, it is the only center for education and bringing astronomy to the public. It is intended to impart the fascination of astronomy to the general pubic, promote astronomy themes to schools and kindergartens and stimulate the exchange between scientists.

The glazed element of the fa?de comprises about 600 m? of CLIMAPLUS ONE [>] and CLIMAPLUS SOLAR CONTROL [>] insulating glass units. Inside there is also STADIP [>] laminated safety glass, both produced by ECKELT GLAS.

Galaxy as a model

At first glance, the symmetry of the building can be seen in how the facades and also floors are twisted around the core. This creates not a two-dimensional rendering of the galaxy, rather a spatial movement of built elements. The spiraling arms which contain the functional spaces are wound around at a half-storey offset, enhancing the buildings rotation about the core. Cross-references between the rooms of both spiral arms allow visitors and occupants to freely experience the building form.

The location for the Haus der Astronomie was an obvious choice ? the K?nigsstuhl hill has long been the place for star-gazing. The Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy as well as the old State Observatory are both perched close by.

Heidelberg can be considered the capital of Astronomy in Germany.

Photos: Christoph Seelbach Fotografie