Macciesfield, United Kingdom
“The result is something really special and unique–there is nothing like it anywhere in the world–and it will stand at Jodrell Bank for generations to come, offering people of all ages a chance to be inspired by our place in the Universe,” states Teresa Anderson, Director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre at the University of Manchester.
Hassell and exhibition designers Casson Mann have designed and completed the new First Light Pavilion for the University of Manchester at Jordrell Bank in Macciesfield as a grassy mound rising from the landscape—an engineering feat in its own right and a perfect platform for the amateur astronomer.
Hassell’s design is sympathetic to the environment and shaped like a dome to mirror the observatory’s Lovell telescope.
The dome’s architectural design interacts with the path of the sun across the sky, acting as a giant sundial.
As the world’s oldest existing radio astronomy observatory and site of some of the most ground-breaking intergalactic discoveries since the dawn of the Space Age, the new First Light Pavilion cultural centre brings these stories to life for everyone from the most dedicated intergalactic enthusiasts to the more casual stargazers.
In 2019, the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the recently inaugurated Square Kilometre Array (SKO) Global Headquarters, which was also designed by Hassell.
Jodrell Bank Observatory, founded in 1945, is the earliest radio astronomy observatory in the world still in existence.
The UNESCO World Heritage Status is awarded to sites that the UN World Heritage Committee deem to be important for the whole of humanity, and therefore should be protected by international treaties.
Jodrell Bank’s new UNESCO appointed status is even more fitting as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing this week.
The SKA (Square Kilometre Array) Global Headquarters was designed to become a nexus of radio astronomy and a global hub for astrophysics in the 21st century.
Operated by an international partnership of countries, it is already home to staff from 16 countries who are currently focused on delivering the final design of the two SKA telescopes.
Hassell’s new project—the First Light Pavilion—is an exhibition and engagement space, an auditorium devoted to displaying immersive digital presentations, an education hub, and a new café, as well as preserving and protecting the physical elements of Jodrell Bank’s heritage for future generations.
Inside the hill, visitors can immerse themselves in Jodrell Bank’s past discoveries and learn more about the Lovell Telescope, one of the world’s largest and most powerful telescopes.
The architecture, defined by gentle concrete curves, was conceived to be subtle and respond to its leafy context and the nearby, familiar forms of the Lovell Telescope and astronomy equipment in general.
The form of a grass-topped 76m-diameter dome is said to “cleverly mirror the shape and scale of the landmark Lovell Telescope.”
Hassell worked closely with exhibition designers Casson Mann on the circular exhibition space and auditorium to celebrate the feats of the amazing scientists and engineers who have changed how we see the universe.
Inside the pavilion, the First Light Exhibition brings to life the Jodrell Bank story, which dates back to 1945, and is known as the birthplace of radio astronomy thanks to its exploration of the universe using radio waves instead of visible light.
Casson Mann composed a display that tells the story of the site and the science ‘’of the exploration of the universe using radio waves instead of visible light.”
Within the exhibits, interactive projected animations by digital media studio Squint/Opera, in partnership with exhibition builder Realm and software developer ISO, promise an informative and engaging visit for guests.
Visitors to the new attraction will be able to experience a meteor shower, crawl into a black hole, or even see like a snake.
Hassell Principal Julian Gitsham says that the opportunity to work on two projects on a UNESCO Heritage Status site is very rare.
“As a design team, it’s a great feeling knowing that these sites will be visited and protected by many generations to come, and enjoyed by not only the science community but by star-gazers globally. To infinity and beyond.” Gitsham said.
Project: First Light Pavilion
Architects: Hassell
Design Team: Julian Gitsham, Gary Collins, Adam Atraktzi, Oliver Kampshoff, Sarah Willats, Clive Lewis, Kaja Swiezewska, Trang Dao, and David Brown
Exhibition Designers: Casson Mann
Client: The University of Manchester
Photographers: Hufton and Crow
