First Light: Architectural Reveal

Posted 26 May, 2022

The architecture for our new First Light Pavilion, designed by international design firm Hassell is based on a modern re-working of the meridian line.

Designed as a grassy mound rising from the landscape — a structure which references both the shape and exact size of the 76.2m diameter dish of the nearby Lovell Telescope — the curved concrete entrance to the pavilion mirrors the arc of the sun. Facing due south at an angle of 53º the sculptural opening to the building sits perpendicular to the celestial equinox.

Reinforcing the pavilion’s cosmic connection is a slim, glass cut-out on the south-facing concrete wall, which mimics a meridian line and also acts as a unique sun dial. Inside the building, the narrow window creates a ray of light that tracks the time of day via the sweep of the sun’s path — and the time of year by the linear length of the light.

“The completion of the First Light Pavilion marks a new era for Jodrell Bank. We have embraced the challenge to push the boundaries of design to deliver what will undoubtedly be a truly exceptional experience for all who visit this remarkable site.”

Julian Gitsham, Principal and project lead at Hassell

At the heart of the building is the exhibition and the auditorium, encased within a cylindrical ‘drum’ in the centre of the mound. The 150-seat capacity auditorium ‘pod’ designed in collaboration with Casson Mann features a screen that curves over the seats, and a multi-media room houses special exhibitions and caters for night-sky projections. A café and circular courtyard, cut into the mound are orientated to align to the First Light’s tracking of Russia’s Sputnik at 102° from Azimuth.

In addition to taking inspiration from Jodrell Bank’s site, Hassell’s design for First Light was influenced by a range of sculptures, structures and natural landforms from around the world, ranging from ancient monuments such as Newgrange in Ireland, to the renowned circular Fuji Kindergarten in Tokyo.

More from Jodrell Bank

How curious...

Inclusion

A New Voyage! Work Experience at Jodrell Bank

Ever thought about exploring the realms of the universe, or how it might feel to be immersed in the wonders of astrophysics? A week of Work Experience might be your gateway to such adventures, and Jodrell Bank offers just that opportunity!

Inclusion

Life without Limits! Meet our Crew!

We are proud to nurture a strong team, with many making their careers at Jodrell, and others passing through as they define their future. From a semi-professional footballer to cabin crew, we have an invaluable team of staff that work around their other jobs, hobbies, school or University, and if you've been to see us, you'll have met some of them.

Science

Bluedot Science – The University of Manchester

First Light: Architectural Reveal Posted 26 May, 2022 Culture Heritage News…

Science

Bluedot Science – Save Our Planet

First Light: Architectural Reveal Posted 26 May, 2022 Culture Heritage News…

Science

Bluedot Science – Explore at Jodrell Bank

First Light: Architectural Reveal Posted 26 May, 2022 Culture Heritage News…

Culture

Celebrating the First Birthday of the First Light Pavilion

As we mark its first birthday this month, we celebrate the tremendous achievements of this architectural masterpiece that has welcomed over 100,000 people and won numerous well-deserved accolades in the process.