DESERT OBSERVATORY

FOUNDATION STUDIO II SPRING 2021 INSTRUCTORS: TREVOR CORDIVARI / DOMINICK

Tucson, Arizona is the location of four very rich and unique deserts. The Saguaro National Park covers over five hundred square miles of terrain. With hot scorching desert floors, rain pockets, and snowy mountain peaks the national park is home to an extremely diverse selection of plants and animals including the Baileya multiradiata and the Javelina.

Located in the western background of Saguaro National Park East, when designing this year’s desert observatory I wanted the structure to complement the desert scenery. The height of the building is low in order for it to hug the desert floor. The building is longer than usual to allow for a more comfortable experience when inhabiting the spaces.

The building’s shell was kept simple to not distract from the desert and the platforms were positioned to give the best views of the northwestern mountains, eastern city skyline, and the plants and animals towards the west. The observatory was designed with three primary platforms and three secondary platforms to give enough space for visitors to comfortably move throughout the structure. There are two sets of stairs and one elevator which connects to all levels to allow for easy access to all platforms. A one hundred and seventy-seven square foot skylight completes the project by bringing light into the surrounding platforms and interior garden.