NASA Orbit Pavilion, a new structure designed by StudioKCA in collaboration with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and sound artist Shane Myrbeck, looks to give visitors the experience of being surrounded by the sounds of satellites in space when it opens on Oct. 29 at The Huntington Library.
The idea behind the design of the structure was to mimic the experience of holding a seashell to one’s ear and hearing the ocean, but to do so on a much larger scale. Visitors won’t just hold this giant cosmic shell to their ears, they will walk inside of it and be met with “a symphony built out of the sounds of satellites in space,” according to Jason Kilmoski, Principal of StudioKCA.
Consisting of 28 speakers spatially arranged to mimic orbits, the pavilion acts as a sound chamber as satellites, represented by distinct, artistically created sounds, seem to swirl around visitors from above, below, and to all sides. There are 20 unique sounds in total, representing the International Space Station and 19 earth satellites.
The physical design of the structure also reflects the paths of space satellites. 100 orbital paths are cut via water jet into the 3,500 sf of aluminum panels that cover the aluminum framework of the pavilion. The design also minimizes external noise and decreases wind loads to make the experience for those within as immersive as possible.
The NASA Orbit Pavilion debuted in the summer of 2015 at the World Science Festival at New York University and will be on display at The Huntington Library until Feb. 27, 2017.
Click here to listen to the “symphony” of satellites.
Related Stories
Architects | Apr 10, 2018
HOK names a physician as its new Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Andrew Ibrahim will collaborate with the firm’s medical planning and design teams.
Architects | Apr 5, 2018
AIA grants $100,000 to four Upjohn Research Initiative projects
The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that will advance the design profession’s knowledge and practice.
Architects | Apr 5, 2018
Tech Report 5.0: The Human Touch
Can studying humans at a behavioral level produce better buildings? Cognitive architecture experts are working to find out.
Architects | Apr 4, 2018
How to acquire speaking engagements and hone your skills
So, you understand the benefits, but how do you actually get started with speaking engagements?
Architects | Apr 4, 2018
8 things to consider before using digital media to communicate with employees
The Marlin Company, a visual communications and digital signage provider, published a guide that outlines eight basic questions, along with some advice, about workplace digital signage.
Education Facilities | Mar 30, 2018
How can we design safer schools in the age of active shooters?
How can we balance the need for additional security with design principles that foster a more nurturing next-generation learning environment for students?
Architects | Mar 26, 2018
Designing for homeless facilities: Critical spaces to consider
The City of San Diego is home to the fourth largest homeless population in the U.S.
Education Facilities | Mar 23, 2018
An introvert's oasis: How to create learning environments for all student types
In order to understand why a school day can be so grueling for an introverted student, it’s important to know what it means to be introverted, writes NAC Architecture’s Emily Spiller.
Architects | Mar 22, 2018
The benefits and nuances of integrated design
Achieving integrated design usually means operating under a strong relationship.
Architects | Mar 14, 2018
Becoming nature: The building design evolution meets the living building revolution
With the environmental movement, sustainability became a marker of innovation in design for the built environment.
