unfearful attitude towards extra-terrestrial investigation. Children’s science programs include pre-school astronomy for children as young as 18 months old. The central dome will continue to be used as a screen for the latest astral projection technology. Telus World of Science will also use this space to develop new programs for their larger nearby planetarium, the Zeidler Dome. The rejuvenated Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium will open in June 2020 during the International Planetarium Society’s annual conference being held in Edmonton. preserving mid-century modernism A public building in the twenty-first century must be universally accessible. The City of Edmonton will use about a third of the main floor for new barrier-free and non-gender- specific washrooms to serve both the building and nearby sports playing fields. A new access ramp at the back leads directly to the washrooms, preserving the front façade facing into Coronation Park.
aging on earth The Queen Elizabeth ll Planetarium operated until 1983 when it was replaced by a larger planetarium in the nearby Telus World of Science. Since then, the QEII has remained out of public use, falling into disrepair over past 35 years. Edmonton’s northern climate has taken its toll; the exterior finishes have eroded, compromising the concrete structure. The extensive post-WWII use of asbestos is problematic, making the building uninhabitable in the twenty-first century. The lack of significant thermal insulation is a typical problem of a building from this era. Due to a complex interior arrangement of steps and levels, there was no way that the building could be made universally accessible without significant modifications. fortuitous alignments There has been plenty of public and political support for the retention of this idiosyncratic and city-owned building; in 2017 it was designated as a municipal historic resource by the City of Edmonton, ensuring longevity for the building and providing ongoing protection for its character-defining features. Along with designation and protection, the city has committed to its adaptive reuse. Ian McLennan, the first QEII director and now an international planetarium and public science venue expert, is consulting with Telus World of Science which has leased the building. He explains that it is a perfect fit for early childhood astronomical experience intended to stimulate children’s imaginations and to develop a positive and
courtesy of Architecture | Tkalcic Bengert
David Murray
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on site review 36: our material future
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