At the outset of the project, it became evident that a horizontal aspect ratio would be ideal for defining the area above the seating space. After conducting detailed measurements and visiting the observatory during both day and night, I was able to carefully plan the terrain’s design. This involved balancing the placement of craters, cast shadows, and ambient light to create a visually cohesive and functional piece.

One key challenge was integrating the client’s existing downlights, positioned just below the lower ceiling. These lights provided subtle ambient illumination in the early morning and evening but introduced complexity when they were fully turned on. By considering both natural daylight and LED lighting dynamics, the design was fine-tuned to enhance the space’s aesthetics while accommodating these lighting conditions effectively.