DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Aysha Abu-sharifa>

Abstract

The New York Supernova is an interactive museum space that allows for the general public to learn more about the history, science, technology and current findings of the matter that exists in outer space as well as human space endeavors. It is a public space that aims to reach all members of the public from young children to working professional to grandparents – there is something for everyone. The contents of the museum not only offers a chance to escape the daily grind of New York City, but also reminds visitors of how small a human life is in comparison to the ever expanding universe. The aim of this reminder is to instill some perspective and humbleness within the sleepless city. The multi-storey complex is based upon a triangular shape, manipulated to create a star-like structure which is echoed in the function of the building. The gradually ramped flooring (similar to the Guggenheim) has been designed to guide visitors effortlessly and logically through the information, leading visitors closer to the final attraction, the observational dome area containing four telescopes and multiple viewfinders. The roof top level acts as a waiting/queuing area with attractions such as trampolining, laser light shows, lecture and film theatres as well as eating areas. The star themed structure is again echoed in the facade through the use of three different types of glass of differing opacities within the steel paneling system. This gives the visitors a feeling of timelessness and strengthens the space-like atmosphere as natural and artificial light reflects and refracts off these surfaces. The basement levels house a split level restaurant area which gains its unusual lighting from the building’s reflective façade whilst maintaining a ‘hideaway cave’ like ambience, heightening the overall dining experience.