AUERBACH POLLOCK FRIEDLANDER

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, NEW YORK, NY AND MINNEAPOLIS, MN – (October 16, 2006) – Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, Performing Arts/Media Facilities Planning and Design, and Auerbach Glasow, Architectural Lighting Design and Consulting collaborated with the design team of Pfeiffer Partners Architecture on the Samuel Oschin Planetarium at Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, California. The firm provided theatre consulting, planetarium lighting, audio systems design and projection coordination elements for the project.

In April 2001, the design initiative began with HHPA (now Pfeiffer Partners Architects) in close coordination with key Griffith Observatory personnel led by Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp. Meeting in the basement of the Observatory, plans were hatched for a “state of the sky” showcase for educating and thrilling a new generation of audiences.

Creating a personal connection with the audience was one of the key considerations in the design process, with great emphasis placed on the use of live presenters. In a venue filled with high-tech systems, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander was challenged to hide the technology behind the show so that the human element would not be overshadowed. To this end extensive use of wireless control of all Samuel Oschin Planetarium functions will allow the presenter to interact with audience members under a striking replica of the Los Angeles night sky.

To provide infrastructure for the Mark IX Universarium Auerbach Pollock Friedlander coordinated closely with Carl Zeiss personnel in Jena, Germany. The firm custom designed a high precision lift, allowing the projector to be hidden when not in use. Overall synchronized control of the Universarium, the laser projection, lighting and sound is coordinated by a centralized show control systems.

Since, 1935 the landmark Griffith Observatory has been one of Los Angeles’ top attractions. It will reopen to the public on November 3, 2006.

FACT SHEET

Performance Space

The presentation space provides for daily planetarium shows and supports a wide variety of other events including lectures, live music in a semi front-facing seating configuration. A new perforated 76 foot diameter Spitz dome replaces the old plaster dome. Full ADA access and accommodations were added throughout the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Lighting positions, control area and technical support are now seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the room. The audio playback and control systems allow sound to appear at any point in the dome and behind the audience. A catwalk system is integrated with the dome to permit easy access to the technical areas for service and upgrades. Computer controls of all show systems, including architectural/theatrical lighting, audio playback, Universarium lift, laser projection system, were installed to allow easy presentation.

Building Infrastructure

Corridors and circulation paths support back stage and front of house needs with easy access between each zone. The HVAC systems are designed for both heat loads and acoustic criteria. The electrical systems are designed to support touring companies and K-rated transformers with isolated grounds were installed for lighting and audio power.

Sound and Communication Systems

The original quadraphonic sound system in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium has been replaced by a 30-channel system allowing each loudspeaker to be individually addressed and virtual sound sources to be located between loudspeakers. The loudspeakers are placed throughout the audience environment for a completely enveloping experience. A Left-Center-Right system plus a special narration reinforcement loudspeaker provide primary audio to the audience. Other loudspeakers are placed to allow simulation of nearly any kind of sound movement. All of the loudspeakers are located behind the perforated dome. The audio control/playback system coordinates both the sound effect playback and the movement throughout the presentation environment. The system simulates the experience of passing through the rings of Saturn visually, aurally and physically. A portable mixing console allows the Samuel Oschin Planetarium to be used in manual mode for special events.

Meyer Sound Labs provided the powered loudspeakers behind the dome.
EAW JF-60s provided the hidden surrounds to the audience for an intimate effects experience.
The sound control and playback system provided by Level Control system is fully integrated with the master show control system, to allow one button control of the entire planetarium experience.
The Master Show Control System, provided and programmed by Bowen Technovation was coordinated to ensure complete integration of all planetarium presentation systems.
Plug-in boxes are strategically located allowing microphones, additional loudspeakers, and other equipment to be interfaced with the audio systems.

Lighting Control

Architectural and theatrical lighting control and distribution are designed to incorporate both the most advanced technology available as well as to allow for future technological advancements over the system’s life. The system is configured to support both in-house production and visiting presenters.

Two racks of ETC Sensor dimmers are installed.
Dimmer racks include 124 - 20A performance/architectural dimmers.
An ETC Unison Architectural processor controls house lighting.
Complete ETCnet DMX over Ethernet system.
Control racks in the dimmer room and control area house light and work light control and data distribution.
Ethernet network taps are installed throughout the theatre.
An ETC 48/96 control console is provided.

Theatrical Lighting Fixtures

Four automated lighting fixtures in the dome allow spotlights to be programmed to focus anywhere in the audience area, without being obscured by the Zeiss Universarium.

Planetarium Lighting

The planetarium lighting is sensitively coordinated with the projection systems and the Universarium to create an illusionary response to a sense of space. The lighting of the dome is intended to make it disappear whether with movement of the setting sun or finding a direction on the horizon. This is created with a continuous array of strip lights with color filters on multiple dimmed control circuits allowing the light effect to move around the horizon or fill the dome. The dome is also cross lighted with several arrays of theatrical fresnels that provided a smooth wash of light thus making the dome invisible and creating space in conjunction with the star projections. The dome is extremely light efficient thus requiring subtle control of all sources.

Seating

The seating layout is a modified version of the original planetarium configuration with additional seats, compliance with current codes and keeping the viewers oriented toward the stage area and prime dome viewing. 298 seats with excellent sightlines are configured for ease of audience access and circulation, code compliant egress and ADA accommodations in an architecturally-integrated seating plan. The seats have a custom designed tilt to provide comfortable viewing of the night sky wherever the patron is seated.

Universarium (Starball) Lift

A two part lift enables rapid deployment of the Universarium from its storage/maintenance position to its full height play position in a matter of seconds. The telescoping lift system uses a four-point ball screw mechanism in coordination with two independent, precision linear actuator operated lifts to allow the Universarium to fit between the Samuel Oschin Planetarium floor and the basement level 15 feet below. The lift has two programmed stops in addition to the fully deployed and storage positions. The handrail position keeps the Universarium just out of view of the audience. The laser position allows laser projectors to be safely used in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium without being interrupted by the Zeiss Instrument.

Controls for the Universarium Lift are located at the control panel in the lift pit and in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium control area and via a hardwired umbilicus. Safety features include dead-man pushbuttons for lift controls, door and railing interlocks, and astragal pressure tape switches at all shear points.

Universarium controls are hardwired through cable chains that allow power and control signals to safely navigate the lift mechanisms.

Four custom made floor panels cover the lift “keyhole” when not in use. They are finished with the same historically important cork flooring that covers the rest of the Samuel Oschin Planetarium audience area.

Total area of 148 square feet.
Total Lifting and Sustaining Load capability of 20,000 lbs
Travel: 11 feet
Speed: up to 10 feet per minute.
Accuracy 0.5mm
Guides: precision linear bearing block


	THE GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY SAMUEL OSCHIN PLANETARIUM REOPENS SAN FRANCISCO, CA, NEW YORK, NY AND MINNEAPOLIS, MN – (October 16, 2006) – Auerbach Pollock Friedlander, Performing Arts/Media Facilities Planning and Design, and Auerbach Glasow, Architectural Lighting Design and Consulting collaborated with the design team of Pfeiffer Partners Architecture on the Samuel Oschin Planetarium at Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, California. The firm provided theatre consulting, planetarium lighting, audio systems design and projection coordination elements for the project. In April 2001, the design initiative began with HHPA (now Pfeiffer Partners Architects) in close coordination with key Griffith Observatory personnel led by Observatory Director Dr. E.C. Krupp. Meeting in the basement of the Observatory, plans were hatched for a “state of the sky” showcase for educating and thrilling a new generation of audiences. Creating a personal connection with the audience was one of the key considerations in the design process, with great emphasis placed on the use of live presenters. In a venue filled with high-tech systems, Auerbach Pollock Friedlander was challenged to hide the technology behind the show so that the human element would not be overshadowed. To this end extensive use of wireless control of all Samuel Oschin Planetarium functions will allow the presenter to interact with audience members under a striking replica of the Los Angeles night sky. To provide infrastructure for the Mark IX Universarium Auerbach Pollock Friedlander coordinated closely with Carl Zeiss personnel in Jena, Germany. The firm custom designed a high precision lift, allowing the projector to be hidden when not in use. Overall synchronized control of the Universarium, the laser projection, lighting and sound is coordinated by a centralized show control systems. Since, 1935 the landmark Griffith Observatory has been one of Los Angeles’ top attractions. It will reopen to the public on November 3, 2006. FACT SHEET Performance Space The presentation space provides for daily planetarium shows and supports a wide variety of other events including lectures, live music in a semi front-facing seating configuration. A new perforated 76 foot diameter Spitz dome replaces the old plaster dome. Full ADA access and accommodations were added throughout the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. Lighting positions, control area and technical support are now seamlessly integrated into the architecture of the room. The audio playback and control systems allow sound to appear at any point in the dome and behind the audience. A catwalk system is integrated with the dome to permit easy access to the technical areas for service and upgrades. Computer controls of all show systems, including architectural/theatrical lighting, audio playback, Universarium lift, laser projection system, were installed to allow easy presentation. Building Infrastructure Corridors and circulation paths support back stage and front of house needs with easy access between each zone. The HVAC systems are designed for both heat loads and acoustic criteria. The electrical systems are designed to support touring companies and K-rated transformers with isolated grounds were installed for lighting and audio power. Sound and Communication Systems The original quadraphonic sound system in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium has been replaced by a 30-channel system allowing each loudspeaker to be individually addressed and virtual sound sources to be located between loudspeakers. The loudspeakers are placed throughout the audience environment for a completely enveloping experience. A Left-Center-Right system plus a special narration reinforcement loudspeaker provide primary audio to the audience. Other loudspeakers are placed to allow simulation of nearly any kind of sound movement. All of the loudspeakers are located behind the perforated dome. The audio control/playback system coordinates both the sound effect playback and the movement throughout the presentation environment. The system simulates the experience of passing through the rings of Saturn visually, aurally and physically. A portable mixing console allows the Samuel Oschin Planetarium to be used in manual mode for special events. Meyer Sound Labs provided the powered loudspeakers behind the dome. EAW JF-60s provided the hidden surrounds to the audience for an intimate effects experience. The sound control and playback system provided by Level Control system is fully integrated with the master show control system, to allow one button control of the entire planetarium experience. The Master Show Control System, provided and programmed by Bowen Technovation was coordinated to ensure complete integration of all planetarium presentation systems. Plug-in boxes are strategically located allowing microphones, additional loudspeakers, and other equipment to be interfaced with the audio systems. Lighting Control Architectural and theatrical lighting control and distribution are designed to incorporate both the most advanced technology available as well as to allow for future technological advancements over the system’s life. The system is configured to support both in-house production and visiting presenters. Two racks of ETC Sensor dimmers are installed. Dimmer racks include 124 - 20A performance/architectural dimmers. An ETC Unison Architectural processor controls house lighting. Complete ETCnet DMX over Ethernet system. Control racks in the dimmer room and control area house light and work light control and data distribution. Ethernet network taps are installed throughout the theatre. An ETC 48/96 control console is provided. Theatrical Lighting Fixtures Four automated lighting fixtures in the dome allow spotlights to be programmed to focus anywhere in the audience area, without being obscured by the Zeiss Universarium. Planetarium Lighting The planetarium lighting is sensitively coordinated with the projection systems and the Universarium to create an illusionary response to a sense of space. The lighting of the dome is intended to make it disappear whether with movement of the setting sun or finding a direction on the horizon. This is created with a continuous array of strip lights with color filters on multiple dimmed control circuits allowing the light effect to move around the horizon or fill the dome. The dome is also cross lighted with several arrays of theatrical fresnels that provided a smooth wash of light thus making the dome invisible and creating space in conjunction with the star projections. The dome is extremely light efficient thus requiring subtle control of all sources. Seating The seating layout is a modified version of the original planetarium configuration with additional seats, compliance with current codes and keeping the viewers oriented toward the stage area and prime dome viewing. 298 seats with excellent sightlines are configured for ease of audience access and circulation, code compliant egress and ADA accommodations in an architecturally-integrated seating plan. The seats have a custom designed tilt to provide comfortable viewing of the night sky wherever the patron is seated. Universarium (Starball) Lift A two part lift enables rapid deployment of the Universarium from its storage/maintenance position to its full height play position in a matter of seconds. The telescoping lift system uses a four-point ball screw mechanism in coordination with two independent, precision linear actuator operated lifts to allow the Universarium to fit between the Samuel Oschin Planetarium floor and the basement level 15 feet below. The lift has two programmed stops in addition to the fully deployed and storage positions. The handrail position keeps the Universarium just out of view of the audience. The laser position allows laser projectors to be safely used in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium without being interrupted by the Zeiss Instrument. Controls for the Universarium Lift are located at the control panel in the lift pit and in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium control area and via a hardwired umbilicus. Safety features include dead-man pushbuttons for lift controls, door and railing interlocks, and astragal pressure tape switches at all shear points. Universarium controls are hardwired through cable chains that allow power and control signals to safely navigate the lift mechanisms. Four custom made floor panels cover the lift “keyhole” when not in use. They are finished with the same historically important cork flooring that covers the rest of the Samuel Oschin Planetarium audience area. Total area of 148 square feet. Total Lifting and Sustaining Load capability of 20,000 lbs Travel: 11 feet Speed: up to 10 feet per minute. Accuracy 0.5mm Guides: precision linear bearing block