Winner of an international competition commissioned by the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM), the design for the 420,000-sf Shanghai Planetarium revolves around three key elements inspired by principles of astronomy: the Oculus, a suspended opening in the entry plaza roof that will track the movement of the sun; the Inverted Dome, a massive glass enclosure that will offer visitors an unrestricted view of the day and night sky; and the Sphere, which will house the planetarium theater.

The form of the design mimics an orbital trajectory around these three “bodies,” creating a smooth circulation of visitors throughout the galleries and exhibits.

Additional exterior exhibits are located around the lush planetarium grounds, such as a 78-ft solar telescope. LERA completed the competition and concept design structural engineering for the museum.