Architects reveal first photos of Cyprus’ National Star Observatory (pics)

The first architectural photographs of the new National Star Observatory of Cyprus, known as the Troodos Observatory have been released by the team at Kyriakos Tsolakis Architects.

Built in Agridia, Pitsilia, the landmark building contains two high technologically telescopes. A night star gazing telescope, a Planewave CDK20 on the Paramount ME II and a Hydrogen-α solar telescope by Lunt Solar Systems U.S.A. The building has a large astromarina for star enthusiasts to use movable telescopes. The building is equipped with a 5.6m wide dome and a 4x4m roll-off hydraulic roof both manufactured in Italy.

Designed to blend seamlessly into nature, its external surface aims to bring focus to the purpose of the building which is to look out to the stars, the planets, the universe. To that effect it almost blends seamlessly with the surrounding skies. On the contrary, internally the architects chose a world of earthy materials, timbers, stones, granites.

As a project funded with Cypriot public and European funding, it was important to the team to create a positive ripple effect on the area. The architects sought to create a memorable landmark that will be an attractor in its own right, bringing people to the region and creating a micro economy around it. It also hopes to inspire the next generation of problem solvers in going into industries that are necessary for the future of our planet.

The architects also considered that public buildings of every civilisation are a reflection of what society thought was important at that time. With this in mind, the architects created a low maintenance, long lasting building that they hope will stand the test of time and in their own words “that will reflect our civilisation’s spirit for exploring the universe and understanding our existence within it.”

(L-R) Cassandra K. Tsolakis, Elena K. Tsolakis and Nicodemos K. Tsolakis

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