South Congress Branch Library and Planetarium

As a vessel for tourists to experience local culture, South Congress Avenue offers a variety of experiences ranging from the spiritual to the commercial. The proposal to integrate a planetarium into a branch library along this corridor serves to introduce a mix-use building that enriches the wealth of educational experiences in Austin. Its purpose is to offer a community space that represents the local academic opportunities available- an asset of the city which induces both local pride among residents and brings people to South Congress from outside of Austin. This proposal capitalizes on the idea that learning can be an activity that brings people together, as we all use our five senses as a medium to gain a better understanding of the external environment. It is a shared human experience. The assimilation of curved surfaces along the ceiling of the second story offer an ambience within the library where one’s visual and tactile sense are heightened. This ceiling too, seamlessly morphs into a planetarium in the center courtyard of the library, serving as a medial space that connects the built environment together.