The Observatory

The Observatory is a proposal for a mobile star gazing system to be site across Leeds in 2023.

The Observatory

The Observatory to be a mantra for the imagination.

An inflatable chasm of wisdom, forum for discourse and a cavity of creativity. The art of print media fused with the functionality of the world renowned Shipping Container. Solar power solutions meet micro, self-sufficiency edible leaf growth. A carbon neutral, pneumatic palace derived from green credentials.

The inflatable dome pays tribute to the Sixties modes which were rooted with space age discovery. Geo-mestric structures replicating those of Nasa and the moon landings which were televised in the glory of black and white. Pneumatics which equally draw on the fun-factor of infancy. Essentially, beach holiday delights, the staple of the air-filled, brightly coloured, beach ball. The dingles which paddle through shallow shores and the air beds which add comfort to the annual camping holiday.

The printed surface design engages with the jubilant dynamics of the dome. The lime green of the lower tract relates to John Smeaton’ innovation of hydraulic lime in concrete. The World’s first civil engineer expanding the potential for concrete was a major contribution to Britain’s Industrial Revolution. The lime of the hydraulic to be relayed to contemporary, eco-sustainable materials. ‘Hempcrete’ is a leading example, landing in the hands of 21st Century civil engineers. The design extends into oranges and includes astronomic elements, highlighting Smeatons interests in the cosmos. Potential of the iconic L=KV2AC to be added to the artworking or reproduced as 3D laser-cut lettering to be freestanding. Additional information in internal display form would highlight how part of the formula was proved incorrect by the famed Wright Brothers.

The theme of pneumatic to be extended to a blow-up space suit to be adorned by an events organiser during activities. A great promotional tool which will engage additional participants, potential for the costumes to be of a specific gender or ethnicity to appeal to specific groups. Artworking for the dome to be used for the suit, potentially to be produced by the same manufacturers of the dome.

Initial, first consideration for the manufacture of the inflatable dome to be ASE (Advanced Sensory Education), based in the Ukraine. Although shipping is an environmental factor, this can be offset to show support for Ukraine and to oppose the environmental damage caused by the Russian Invasion. The manufacturers are still trading and have completed numerous comparable projects, adaptations will need to be made to incorporate the shipping container. Additionally, there is potential to stream a discussion with the manufacturers during an event where we can lead a discussion on production process, environmental aspects and the invasion. They also provide various options for LED lighting systems and seating solutions to be investigated in greater depth.

The circular nature of the dome invites discussion for activity groups. This can be developed through the use of seating and floor bags in particular. Informal, but equally productive, discussion is often engaged through this format of seating.

Transition from the forum of the blow-up shelter to the practicalities of the shipping container to involve a simple ramp and spacious passageway. This is firstly to ensure that it is suitable for the wheelchair bound, but equally the vast numbers of prams for family friendly events. This is to combine with chairs which are easy to transfer into from a wheelchair or mobility scooter, ensuring they are designated through signage and not monopolised by the able bodied. Screenings to use subtitles and specific engagement of interpreters or signers for specific activity groups to be suggested through signage provision.

The major context of the shipping container is to host the telescopic and other stargazing equipment. The roof is to house solar panels, generating electricity during the day, then through adaptations opening up at night to allow for star gazing activities. A simple plug in solar panel system to be used, organisers will be able to explain the potential of grass routes domestic solar power generation to interested parties.

Pre-used shipping container to be purchased, of the smaller (3.5 metre length) variety. This to be clad with printed sheet diabound featuring the same print media as the inflatable dome. Between the panels we would look to use rockwool as an environmentally friendly source of insulation. Outside of the shipping container we would look to position planters growing leaf based food produce. This could potentially combine with a water collection system highlighting self sufficiency. The leaf produce would then be used within any buffet produced, engaging with the concept of the ultimately fresh salad leaf.

Staffing for the project would mainly be for set up and breakdown. The pneumatic dome to be stored within the shipping container, inflated with the use of a compressor, potentially with electricity generated from the solar panel. Security staff would need to be available if the structure was to remain inflated overnight, especially if sited in late night drinking spots.

Decommissioning of the project to involve the sale of the shipping container. The printed diabound panels and the dome could potentially be donated to community groups. Potentially the PVC from the dome could be cut down and denoted to artists to repurpose. The designated solar panel system to be easily re-use, great for an allotment or other smaller community group. Rockwool insulation to be cut into small sections and added to compost for decomposition.

A triumph of art engaging with science, the fun of pneumatics hand in hand with the practicality of the shipping container. A creative sanctuary which can provide relief from the chaos of urban crowds.

Ultimately, a self-sufficient Palace of Universal potential.

Alison Little

The proposal was unsuccessful, we wait for the winning application to be announced.