McConnel Hall Science Building, Smith College, Northampton, MA

Working closely with the head of the Astronomy Department at Smith College, we determined that the two existing observatory spaces were not meeting the needs of the Department. Each space had a retractable flat roof, which meant that the telescopes were located too low to see to the horizon. The Owner requested a state of the art, computer controlled, rotating dome which required the design of a two-level space with interior stairs and an elevated telescope platform. During the planning process, care was taken to find the best location on the roof to place the telescope which had the least amount of vibration. We determined that this was directly over a major structural column, which was supported down to the foundation. 

All the roof structures were upgraded as part of the project to address water infiltration. This led to the replacement of the entire roof and the design of exterior telescope viewing stations that could be used by the public. Considerations included rooftop storage, the safety of visitors on the roof at night during low light activities, and egress. Ultimately the telescope in the new dome was computer controlled and tied directly to the web for viewing by students and faculty anywhere in the world.