24-Hour Space Weather Centre Designed by AVNA Architects

WORDS Michaela Stehr PHOTOS Dawid Theron

A brand new Space Weather Centre at SANSA in Hermanus by AVNA Architects is inspired by the mesmerising magnetic fields studied by the scientists working on site.

The futuristic building houses the control hub for the entire Southern Hemisphere and features spaces that pay homage to the elliptical curves and solar flares of our solar system. The key areas, including the hallway, lecture hall and boardrooms, all encapsulate the feeling of space and all the components that represent what we know of the universe and the vast wonder it evokes.

At the main entrance a ramp, made from black and white aggregate and crushed perlemoen shells, invites guests into a dark lobby featuring an opaque orb glowing above the space. Hanging circular acoustic panels and lights adorn the foyer ceiling. The main control centre is on full display through a large glass wall – complete with scientists on the job, monitoring space weather data.

An office wing made up of open plan and individual private offices, boardrooms, sleeping pods, a kitchenette, ablution facilities and a server room, ensures that the team has everything they need for a comfortable work experience.

Visiting scientists are housed in the Guest Accommodation Building – complete with laundry facilities, bedrooms, kitchens and outside seating areas, while the upgraded Student Accommodation is large enough to cater for Post Graduate and Undergraduate students in training. A transformer and generator building ensure power around the clock for data collection and 24/7 functionality – ensuring that the scientists can collect consistent valuable information to assist their innovative work.

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Sign up to our weekly newsletter, here.