Architecture

The Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium is a circular structure 18.3 metres in diameter with a useful interior area of slightly under 186 square metres.

Exterior Architecture

The exterior walls of the building can be separated into four quadrants. The northwest and southeast quadrants are constructed of hewn field stone. The northeast and southwest quadrants are glazed, with the glass set in gold anodized aluminum frames. Originally the building was surmounted by a brilliant orange dome, that was subsequently painted silver.

At the front of the building is a concrete apron into which are inlaid mosaics of the twelve zodiacal constellations Leo, Taurus, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Pisces, Virgo, Libra, Aquarius, Scorpio, Gemini, Cancer, and Aries which were designed by Edmonton Artist Heinrich Eichner.

The planetarium is located in a very scenic location in Coronation Park, and is surrounded by grassed areas, and trees. There is a poured concrete sidewalk system radiating out from the front of the planetarium that takes visitors on walks throughout the park.

Figure 3: Floor Plan showing the typical layout during operation.

Interior Architecture

The interior architecture consists of variegated hardwood, terrazzo, and tiled floors. The walls and ceiling are finished in various types of décor, with vertical Venetian blinds in the foyer, and drapes in the lecture room.

The Planetarium's interior space can be separated into six distinct areas:

  1. Vestibule

  2. Display Space consisting of the bookstore, reception area, and a public meeting room.

  3. Star Theatre.

  4. Washrooms

  5. Staff Areas consisting of a workshop, library, two offices, dark room, and an audio room.

  6. Furnace Room

The planetarium is oriented with the vestibule and main entrance facing southwest, and the staff parking lot facing northeast. The vestibule opens through double glass doors directly into the main display area.

During its time of operation the Display Area was divided into the bookstore (to the right of the main doors, with the remainder being used for Astronomical Displays as well as the waiting area for the Star Theatre shows.

The interior of the planetarium is constructed on two levels with the washrooms, audio room, and northwest Star Theatre entrance being accessed by ascending three stairs to the left of the display area. The southeast entrance to the Star Theatre is accessed by ascending a separate flight of three stairs to the right of the main display area. The Director's Office and reception are accessed off the main display area (to the right) behind what was the typical location for the book store. The Workshop, a second office, library, darkroom, and Furnace Room were all located at the back of the building - which has windows looking out onto the parking lot, and were accessed by descending from the upper level on either side of the Star Theatre. The parking lot can be accessed from either the workshop or the library by exiting the building and descending stairs to ground level. The button below will open up another window giving a typical floor plan of the planetarium during its time of operation.

In its original concept the structure was designed to accommodate 2 permanent staff members with a projected annual attendance of between twenty and twenty-five thousand people.