Sunday, June 26, 2011

Thomas Roszak Architecture Designs New Welcome Gallery at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago


Completed in June 2011, the new Clark Family Welcome Gallery at Adler Planetarium, Chicago, IL may now be added to the growing list of unique and interesting projects of Thomas Roszak Architecture, LLC.  Through smart and collaborative design, Roszak led the team to meet project goals by creating a multifunctional space that provides a welcoming gathering area while also initiating an exciting pre-show experience necessary in optimizing the planetarium’s main event, the Sky Theater.  

In order to do so, Roszak’s team considered creative and innovating ideas, most notably their use of abstract materials and the creation of space that feels different and other-worldly.  Using aluminum tubing and polyester fabric constructed walls provided a cost effective alternative while creating a high-impact, and highly dramatic design.  Roszak’s team consulted with “fabricologists”, experts in the fabric industry, sorting through thousands of choices before discovering the perfect options.  The team didn’t settle until they found a fabric with precise, clean lines embodying the desire for a seamless look. The result: a smooth textured, pure white fabric with just the right amount of transparency used in both single and double layers.  Most importantly, the fabric had to have the ability to reflect the space’s LED lighting system, but also absorb light where mixed-media video is projected on the fabric walls.

While learning about their client and astronomy as a whole, traveling through “slices in time” became an apparent fundamental concept. Roszak’s design incorporates this theme by using the carefully selected fabric on walls and surfaces shaped to mimic travel through spacetime. Roszak’s used parametric modeling techniques to design the complex shapes and surfaces of the space. The fabric surrounds the area creating rich, spatial “events” in each section.  Roszak layered the fabric in alternating areas creating darker and lighter “slices” along the visitor’s pathway with each section representing a “time slice” in outer space.  Delineated slopes of cascading sheer planes add to the design representing the surface of the present that has recorded an astronomical event over time.  Even the design’s floorplan is laid out such that by shifting one’s position in the gallery, the perception of space changes as the voids separate, join, expand, and contract.  All of the design effects add to the visitor’s experience of walking from “slice” to “slice” feeling like they are traveling through time in space.

Also included in the space travel theme shown through Roszak’s plan are the many courses of the purposely “bent” shape of the gallery.  These paths entice the adventurous explorer to wander along “shortcuts” of the free-flowing space just as a real astronaut would.  The purpose of the twists and turns is two-fold since they also create opportunities for a collage of media learning displays.  Extensive collaboration with experts in video, animation, sound, and lighting inspired interactive exhibits with layered projected images, motion- detecting light and sound effects, and unusual display technologies around every corner.  Many years of experience and past projects have given Roszak a naturally positive attitude on collaboration, knowing how to bring together individuals who are experts in their fields, and working together to maximize a project’s full potential. Most importantly, Roszak listened to the client and made sure they were involved in every design stage.

Using architecture in a way to incorporate a client’s vision, even the most “out of this world” concepts, can be in the realm of the possible.  The architectural and media contributions to the Welcome Gallery immensely enhance guests’ overall experience at Adler Planetarium.  Thomas Roszak Architecture, LLC, is proud to have their architectural and design contributions aide in reaching Adler’s ultimate goal of creating an exciting and curiosity-evoking visit sure to create buzz and desire for guests to return for more learning and space exploration!


Please view more images here.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Roszak Designs New Gallery at the Alder Planetarium



THIS SUMMER, ADLER PLANETARIUM UNVEILS THE GRAINGER SKY THEATER, THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED THEATER IN THE WORLD

Visitors will take off on a Deep Space Adventure for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

On Friday, July 8, the Adler Planetarium will reveal a new, immersive space experience like no other in the world!  Deep Space Adventure takes you aboard the observation deck of a futuristic starship where you will be surrounded by the larger-than-life phenomena of our dynamic Universe.

The centerpiece of Deep Space Adventure is the Grainger Sky Theater, which offers audiences the most immersive, technologically enhanced theater experience ever developed.  Visitors become space adventurers and set off on a journey to discover our Universe in a way never done before.   The theater was specifically designed with leading-edge technologies that enable visitors to explore space as if they were there.

The Grainger Sky Theater will project the largest single seamless digital image in the world with an ultra high definition screen resolution of more than 8k x 8k pixels.  This far surpasses the cinematic standard of 2k x 4k pixels, presenting a level of realism that can only be surpassed by actual space travel.

Vivid images of planets, stars, galaxies and other celestial objects are shown in the highest resolution and quality possible to evoke the feeling of being in deep space.  The on-screen imagery will expand beyond the traditional 180-degree dome and surround the visitor.  Special lighting effects in the floor complete the 360-degree experience. 

Deep Space Adventure is a revolutionary way to explore the Universe,” said Paul H. Knappenberger Jr., PhD, president of the Adler Planetarium.  “Using the most advanced technology available in our completely transformed Grainger Sky Theater, and partnering with leading scientists, engineers and designers, we have created a thrilling adventure to inspire visitors to explore our Universe. Whether you are a novice or veteran space explorer, the Adler’s goal is to stimulate your curiosity and motivate further discovery.  We invite you to be the first explorers to join us on this maiden voyage to deep space.”

Clark Family Welcome Gallery, designed by Thomas Roszak Architecture
Visitors begin their Deep Space Adventure in the Clark Family Welcome Gallery. Multimedia interactive exhibits feature greetings from some of today’s prominent space explorers who have personal ties to Chicago. They will prepare museum visitors to explore space by encouraging them to ask intriguing questions and to build exploration skills.  The out-of-this-world gallery features futuristic architecture, colorful lights and video presentations, creating a dynamic and constantly changing environment.

The Grainger Sky Theater, designed by Wight + Co.
The adventure continues as visitors are drawn through a space portal to the new Grainger Sky Theater. Fashioned as the observation deck of a starship, the theater invites visitors to come aboard for the ultimate journey into deep space. Prepare for lift off as your adventure continues in the Grainger Sky Theater’s premier show The Searcher. Featuring scientific simulations from the most powerful supercomputers, and observations from the most advanced telescopes in existence, breathtaking visualizations capture the audience’s attention and bring you up close to the action.  Watch as a star is torn apart by a black hole; witness the collision of two massive galaxies; view the formation of the large-scale structure of the Universe; and encounter a dramatic supernova explosion.

“The theater technology and computational power used to store and access celestial images differentiates Deep Space Adventure from anything out there,” said Doug Roberts, PhD, Adler associate vice president for digital technology and project director for the new Grainger Sky Theater.  “Using 20 separate projectors - powered by 45 computers - to create one seamless image is unprecedented.  With the ability to create and present scientific data using images that are as good as the human eye can perceive, Adler visitors can explore deep space as if they were there.”

About the Adler   
The Adler Planetarium - America’s First Planetarium - was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler.  A recognized leader in public learning, the Adler inspires young people - particularly women and minorities - to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Scientists, historians and educators at the museum inspire the next generation of explorers.  Learn more at www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Stay tuned for more information and project photos on the next Thomas Roszak Architecture blog.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

7RR, a green home by Thomas Roszak Architecture


Thomas Roszak Architecture and SteelGrass, an eco-design-build firm, have teamed up to design and build a new green and sustainable home on Chicago’s North Shore. The home’s design feels natural in the wooded lot and the plan’s axis rotates to take advantage of passive solar orientation. This house has many attributes of passive solar house design. Here are some additional eco-effective highlights:

At Home in Nature

With flexible, open living spaces flooded with filtered natural light and a carefully detailed arrangement of durable and energy efficient materials the green home provides a dynamic and comfortable environment made for longevity.

Green Highlights:

A) Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in
B) Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan

C) Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer

D) Open floor plan reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight

E) Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms.

F) Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers

G) Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste

H) Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated

I) Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%           
J) 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings

K) Super efficient windows have low E, argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames

L) Soy-based spray foam insulation boosts R-values by completing the building envelope seal

M) Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff

N) Countertops use recycled composite materials

O) Energy Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats

P) Furnaces are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss

Q) Energy star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water

R) Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are recommended to conserve water usage

S) No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality

T) Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use

U) Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems

V) A large food pantry to reduce trips to the grocery store

W) Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint

X) Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, no need to move as family members mature

For more information please call 312-423-7989 or email thomas@roszak.com