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Polaris Gaze Observatory And Astronomy Center
Eshaq, Waad
Eshaq, Waad
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Abstract
The Polaris Gaze: Astronomical Center and Observatory project has completely thought
through a new type of relationship between humankind, land, and the cosmos by introducing
the use of contemporary architecture, which still has its roots in the history of astronomy in
Saudi Arabia. The observatory is located on the Harrat plateau in AlUla, one of the places on
Earth with the least amount of light pollution and thus the best place to observe the night
sky, and it is an integral part of a broader cultural and scientific program that includes
research, education, heritage, and public experience, and which is the leading one in the
field. The thesis proposes a combined program to be made of an observatory dome,
planetarium, research labs, heritage galleries, an astro-meditation pavilion, and support
facilities spread out over a sloped site.
The project directly engages with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) Design
Guidelines, King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism, and Vision 2030,
emphasizing contextual materiality, environmental performance, and place-driven identity.
Among the considerations taken into account during the design process are case studies, site
constraints, regulations, and spatial hierarchies, which are in turn translated into the
architectural narrative inspired by celestial navigation and constellation logic. The project
has shown, through massing studies, schematic planning, section development, and
visualizations, how architectural design could help create a new cultural memory while at
the same time engaging scientific innovation, all this without losing the original vibe of the
basaltic AlUla landscape. The Polaris Gaze has managed to gain a position for itself as a
monument that not only symbolizes but also supports Saudi Arabia’s scientific aspirations,
and at the same time, it brings attention to the fact that the country has had a connection with
the stars since ancient times.