Overview
Where it began.
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The planetarium, located at New Canaan High School, was built in 1971. Under the 30 foot dome seats up to 60 students. The planetarium was designed to connect educators and students with each other and the universe. The connection in an immersive environment where audiences can have a shared experience.
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The planetarium is equipped with the original Spitz A4 planetarium “star ball” projector that dates back to 1970. The technology, also referred to as “dots on a dome” has limited reach, mostly to astronomy students. A relic that is no longer serviceable with technology that has been outdated since digital projection was introduced in the 1980s.
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Another challenge with the present planetarium is operating the system. The dated control panel requires qualified technicians to operate and maintain the system. A digital upgrade would not only open the door to educational programs beyond astronomy, the ease of use from modern technology allows more educators to use it to its fullest potential.
Fun Fact:
A similar Spitz planetarium projector is currently on display in the museum of Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center & Planetarium.
The Need for Renovation.
At the height of the planetarium installation boom in the 1960s and 1970s, there were 729 planetariums in the United States. The number of planetariums that exist today is down to 350 largely due to upkeep costs. However, with significant leaps in technology, planetarium usage has evolved from a primarily passive, observational experience into a full sensory immersion. We are fortunate to have a planetarium and see that it can be an educational space across different disciplines. By renovating it, we give our educators the tools to change what, how and where learning occurs.
An immersive space where the barrier between the screen and audience is broken and the class is transported to where the story is taking place. The planetarium environment triggers curiosity in ways that typical classroom spaces cannot. Since the environment is highly engaging and realistic, it develops an emotional connection with students. Therefore, they are more involved in the learning process.
An interactive classroom to stimulate creativity and bring learning to life. The learning material is presented as an experience that is shared and social, promoting deeper engagement with the subject and better understanding as a result.
An innovative space for visualizing scientific data, testing new digital technologies, and the perfect platform for designing disruptive innovations. It is also a canvas for creating digital art and developing immersive content to inspire learners in new ways.