International Museum of Astronomy Competition

The International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) will be a focal point for international tourism interested in astronomical observation, where visitors will be able to enhance their knowledge and share experiences in an area free of light contamination, offering a unique setting to observe the stars. Light contamination is caused by the diffusion of artificial light that glows in the night sky, reducing visibility of the stars and other celestial bodies.

The International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) will not be a traditional museum, which merely displays objects and provides information, but rather it will focus on transmitting the science of astronomy through all means available, particularly interactivity and experimentation.
The idea is to create a space that is open to public participation of all ages, a space that excites and inspires, a space that encourages perpetual curiosity.

Program of uses

The potential uses of the International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) are quite broad, but they should always be focused on encouraging sharing knowledge about astronomy, research and observing the stars. The project can be freely developed within the area indicated in the plans.
Each proposal can define the uses and dimensions deemed necessary for the projected number of tourists and the idea of the project.

Some suggested uses include:

- Exhibition halls
- Projection rooms
- Spaces for astronomical observation
- Information rooms
- Planetarium
- Specialized store
- Restaurant/Cafeteria
- Staging area for excursions
- Parking

These suggestions can be modified or omitted according to the ideas of each participant.

Call

This competition is open to international undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduate of architecture or related degrees, individually or in teams made up of a maximum of four members.
Recent graduate means that person graduated within the 2 last years at the time of signing the registration in the contest.
Teams will pay a single registration fee, regardless of the number of team members. Each participant can only present one proposal, whether as an individual or part of a team.
This competition is closed to any person who participated in the elaboration of the competition or who has dependent personal or professional ties to the organization.

 

Prizes

The following prizes will be awarded to proposals that best meet the purpose of the competition:

1st Prize:
3.750 Euros + Interview in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell and Ottagono magazines + 1 year free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell, Paisea and Ottagono (digital) magazines.
The winner or person that represents the winner team will take part of the Jury in the next academic competition.

2nd Prize:
1.500 Euros + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell and Ottagono magazines + 1 year free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell, Paisea and Ottagono (digital) magazines.

3rd Prize:
625 Euros + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell and Ottagono magazines + 1 year free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell, Paisea and Ottagono (digital) magazines.

Up to 5 honorable mentions will be given to the most interesting proposals in terms of architectural quality, and which have not received any of the first three prizes, and will be awarded with:
Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine.

The final decision of the publication of the projects will be of the publishers, depending on the quality of the proposals.