Exterior image of Orange Coast College Planetarium in Costa Mesa, CA
image of Planetarium lobby with expansive curtainwall that includes SageGlass smart windows
Windows along the exterior of the exhibits provide views and daylight.
Skylights above the exhibits around the planetarium allow natural light into the space but are tinting in response to sunlight to keep the space free of glare.
Owner
Orange Coast College
Architect
HPI Architecture
Project Size
5,540 Ft² / 515 M²
Completed
2019

Designed by Newport-based HPI Architecture, the Orange Coast College Planetarium in Costa Mesa, CA structurally resembles a spiral galaxy shape to mimic the shape of the Milky Way.  It features an iconic, seventy-foot dome anchoring the building, while the building facade includes sweeping floor-to-ceiling smart windows.  

  • Construction began in June 2016 to replace the original planetarium, built in 1959, with a new state-of-the art facility that would offer the best in informal science education while reflecting the 1950s modern architectural character of the surrounding buildings.

     
  • Floor-to-ceiling SageGlass smart windows in the atria provide allow ample natural light while preventing glare from impacting the experience of visitors viewing screens in the exhibit areas.

     
  • Skylights throughout the circular hallways surrounding the interior dome (theatre) were also outfitted with SageGlass to provide natural light
Additional Information
HPI Architecture Portfolio