Innovation Special Planetariums 9 - Carl Zeiss Planetariums

The main project objectives were therefore
• To improve the visibility and attractiveness
of the structure
• To increase the number of people it
could accommodate
• To improve accessibility
• To replace the planetarium projector
• To modernize the existing digital projection
systems
• To improve the running of the planetarium
• To optimize the running costs
The construction of the new Reims
Planetarium was not about a simple
relocation of its existing activities. The
improvements in terms of space, functionality
and comfort will allow the planetarium
to offer better quality services
befitting its regional influence and to
accommodate new sectors of the public.
The project, with a total cost of approximately
€ 3.4 million, is being
managed by the City of Reims Public
Works Department working closely with
the Culture and Heritage Directorate
44 Innovation Special Planetariums 9, 2012
and the planetarium team in what is a
good example of a cross-departmental
project at the municipal level and which
also draws on a range of different skills
in a very specific area. The experience
of running the Reims Planetarium over
many years is a very major plus.
Location of the new planetarium
The location chosen for the new Reims
Planetarium was an old school which
was closed in 2010. This site covers an
area of approximately 12,000 m² and is
located on the edge of the city center.
It is served by a tram route, two bus
routes and a train station, all of which
are within a radius of 50 meters around
the future planetarium. The neighborhood
also contains buildings for other
cultural, leisure or sporting activities.
The new planetarium will be built on
the site of the gymnasium of the former
school which will be demolished. The
new building will cover a total area of
650 m² of which 400 m² will be accessible
to the public; it will also be surrounded
by a 2,000 m² lawn.
The new Reims Planetarium –
reception and exhibition area.
Rendering courtesy of JP Bonnemaison, Architecte.
Exterior architecture
It was essential that the planetarium
was visible and immediately identifiable
from the avenue which runs alongside.
The building is located about opposite
the tram stop. The architecture,
designed by the architectural practice
JP Bonnemaison, was inspired by the
solar system – it is elliptical on plan and
includes a sphere which is visible from
outside and therefore reinforces its
character as a planetarium. The overall
impression of the building is reminiscent
of rockets taking off to explore
space – foot-bridges used as links, the
building is elevated on stilts, its bright
surface… To complete its unique architecture
but still with references to the
world of stars and their exploration,
cladding made from glass tiles imitating
the heat shield of the space shuttles and
positioned to reflect the sky has been
proposed. The cylinder under the building
which contains the building services
(air-conditioning, IT hardware, storage
etc.) will be clad with wooden panels.
Public access will be by means of a footbridge.
The grassy space surrounding
the planetarium will be accessible (also
to handicapped persons) during public
opening hours. This space will be also
used for teaching activities and for open
air exhibitions.