Astronomy is an ancient natural science that deals with the study of celestial bodies and includes disciplines such as celestial navigation, astrometry, observational astronomy etc. it has been practiced since prehistoric times by early civilisations from the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Indians, Mayans etc. until now. Their observations did not merely shelter astronomers and their instruments, but interacted with them to shape the range and outcome of astronomical observations. The invention of the telescope was required before astronomy was able to develop into a modern science. The evolution of the architecture of observatories changed with the evolution of technology required for observation and research. The study shows the architectural evolution of the astronomical observatories and analyses the principal characteristics of the architecture of observatories such as spatial structures, materials, and building practices over the progress of time and technology.
Observatory, in astronomy, can be defined as a building or group of buildings from which the skies and celestial bodies are observed and studied. As we look back on the evolution of observatories, we see that earlier observatories, unlike those we see today, did not merely function to shelter the observers and their instruments themselves. From what were merely positioning of stones to await and mark celestial events, observatories evolved into improvised spaces customised for the purpose of observation of a wider range of celestial events as well as the mapping of the skies and later to space exploration and prediction of climate.
The architecture of the observatories affected the degree of accuracy and range of outcomes. Several factors like expense for construction and maintenance, repair, political influences, cultural mind-sets etc. have influence the architecture and in turn the progression of observations. Some observatories have been modified many times by several renovations, additions and astronomy. The material and spatial evolution reflects the progress of science and the response of architecture to this advancement.
The study of observatories reflects the ideologies of the observers on the kind of spaces required for observation and their working conditions and also offers a glance at various observational practices.
by Ar.Rahima Manohar