urban observatory

arch 103 (studio 3a)

Located at the intersection of 37th Street, Lancaster Avenue, and Powelton Avenue, the observatory focuses on the sun’s position at noon on the solstices and the equinoxes. Each tower corresponds to its respective sun position. The user experiences the direct light of the noon sun underground creating a heightened sense of the power of the sun and its effect on the earth. The intention of the design is to connect the heavens with the earth by orienting the towers to the sky while aligning them to the street and a tree imbedded in the earth.