Esmaeil GHASEMZADEH

advisor

Islamic Republic of Iran

My architecture begins in silence — in listening to the ground before drawing a line.I do not seek… more

The 'AFLAK: Museum of Arab Astronomy' is a stellar example of immersive interior design that successfully bridges the gap between historical heritage and futuristic expression. The conceptual journey through a 'Nebula' is masterfully executed through fluid shapes and circular light orbits that guide the visitor's movement with a celestial rhythm. I particularly admire the technical selection of high-gloss epoxy flooring and Barrisol acoustic ceilings, which work together to create a sense of weightlessness and infinite reflection. The integration of statues of scholars like Al-Khwarizmi with digital holograms in the 'Astro-Pavilions' transforms static history into a living, dynamic experience.

To further supplement this ambitious project and elevate its Atmospheric DNA, I recommend the following refinements:

Defining the 'Sacred Void' of Cosmic Silence: While the digital projection mapping and interactive holograms are engaging, I suggest introducing a dedicated zone of absolute sensory reduction. A 'Sacred Void' with total acoustic isolation and minimal lighting would allow visitors to experience the profound silence of deep space, providing a psychological reset point within the museum's narrative.

Tactile Proprioception in Weightless Spaces: To enhance the sense of weightlessness created by the epoxy floors, consider varying the tactile density of the Corian surfaces in the 'Astronomer Pavilions'. Subtle shifts from cold, smooth textures to warmer, porous materials could act as grounding cues for proprioception as visitors navigate the dark, reflective environment.

Chromative Transitions in Light Orbits: The LED-integrated orbits are a key navigational tool. I recommend programming these light strips to undergo subtle chromative shifts that correspond to different celestial phenomena (e.g., from the warm hues of a birth of a star to the cool tones of a nebula). This would add a temporal layer to the atmospheric journey, making the light feel like a living architectural organism.

Acoustic Harvesting of the Nebula: Supplement the Barrisol ceilings with localized directional soundscapes. Each pavilion could have its own 'acoustic footprint'—using the sound of cosmic wind or star frequencies—to create a more multi-sensory and private connection between the visitor and the scientific achievements on display.

Best regards,
Esmaeil Ghasemzadeh
Official Juror at INSPIRELI AWARDS | Architect & Multidisciplinary Artist
06.05.2026