tairawhiti observatory - gisborne district · tairawhiti observatory concept 08 2. tairawhiti night...

Tairawhiti Observatory Concept

Prepared for Gisborne City Council on 26.4.17

02Tairawhiti Observatory Concept

Introduction

The proposed concept for Titirangi Observatory is based around five core components that can be developed together or independently at a range of scales depending on budget and building requirements. The five core concepts are:

1. Titirangi stories 2. Star Compass3. Tairawhiti Night Experience4. Star Park 5. Digital Night Guide

This document outlines each of these concepts and includes a range of options for how each may be developed.

Each solution depends on the decision made regarding the existing observatory, but a combination of each aspect can be included regardless of what decision is made regarding the building.

The solution needs to work for a range of visitors: : individuals, families and larger groups, and more importantly a range of visitation times:

• Early Morning - to tie in with the sunrise experience of the East Coast

• During the day - as visitors to the region make their way to the top of Titirangi, including the visitors to the new Navigations project installations

• Sunset/early evening• Night

We feel that the blend of concepts meets these visitor needs and can also be developed over time to create an holistic experience on Titirangi.

The Stars

The Sun

The Moon

Star Park

Pacific views

Navigations M

ap

Solar System

Lunar

Stars

Tairawhiti Night Experience

ROAD + CARPARK

Titirangi


Themes and Principles

The big idea is to create a Tairawhiti-centric night sky experience that can also be accessed and explored during the day.

The experience will have a unique blend of Matauranga Māori and Observatory-based perspectives of the night sky and also the role of Titirangi in both ancient and contemporary celestial observation.

Contemporary and Mātauranga Māori observation tends to focus on the three major areas of the day/night sky: Solar, Lunar and Celestial/Cosmological.

The concept is to focus quite distinctly on these three areas from a Gisborne Astronomical Society perspective and a Ngati Oneone perspective, as well as that of Pacific Navigators.

This creates a distinctly unique Tairawhiti Night Sky Experience that can only be had from the tihi of Titirangi.

Experiential Principles

The experience should focus:

• Create a sense of wonder through what is visible in the day/night sky from Titirangi

• Focus on Tairawhiti accounts of cosmology, constellations and seasonal observations

• Provide experiences that work during the day and night

• Create sturdy, safe but playful interactions

Lunar

Titirangi

Pacific

Observation and Knowledge

Solar

Celestial/ Cosmos


Personas

Annie, Douglas with Maddie and TomVFR/Family vacation

KnowledgeThey love engaging with local history, science, culture wherever they travel as a family. They have a moderate knowledge of Māori/NZ history and probably know more Te Reo than they think they do. First time to Gisborne.

Mode of transport Campervan but like to get out and burn off the kids’ energy by walking or cycling.

Media Annie and Douglas share an iPad for trip planning and Annie keeps a journal on this as well. They don’t let the kids use smartphones yet but Douglas and Annie both have their work phones. They use local museums and iSITEs to get a handle on what to do and local culture.

TimeAs they are on holiday, they will be happy to engage in daytime or evening activities. They will be in Gisborne and surrounds for at least two days, so time isn’t an issue.

Kate and EthanFree Independent Travellers (FIT)

Knowledge Very basic understanding of Māori culture and NZ history but are very interested and looking for more of a connection to places and cultures.

Mode of transport Rental car – as they are more comfortable driving this time. They also like to get out and walk.

Media They use laptop and iPad for travel planning, reviews, etc. They prefer to be guided or to follow interpretive walks, museum visits, etc. Can speak English.

TimeThey are active people, so may get them up Titirangi for a sunrise. Daytime or evening will also work for them. They have allowed a few days in the region, so are in no real hurry, but would require a very compelling reason to stay in Gisborne more than one night as they plan to head around the coast.


Personas

Franklin and Maggie Cruise shippers

Knowledge They know very little about New Zealand at this stage other than it is beautiful, the people are friendly and that Maori are the native people and they were here first apparently.

Mode of transport They are dropped off by their ship and have two hours. They are on foot, and are both fine with walking as long as it isn’t too steep.

Media Maggie has an iPad that she uses for games, and books and researching travel. She has learnt a lot on the boat from other passengers about travel apps and tools. They can speak English.

TimeTwo hours - tops. Seek daytime experiences only, as they return to the ship at night.

Paul and Anika with Tamati, Hana, Tai and Mei Local families

Knowledge Recently moved back from Australia to bring up the kids in a local environment where they can connect to their culture. They want to engage in fun, local, landscape-based experiences where they all can learn and contribute to local knowledge.

Mode of transport They walk most places when out with the kids, including up Titirangi.

Media Paul and Anika and the two older kids all have smartphones, and they have a range of laptops at work and home.

TimeThey are looking for things to do for an hour or two with the kids on the weekends. They are looking for cultural activities that they can do more than once. For special events, they would be open to activities at sunrise, during the day or at night.


Personas

Awapuni School etc. Gisborne Astronomical Society (GAS) Group Learners

Knowledge Knowledge will vary, but the majority will be in the process of learning or being introduced to topic. It likely that they visit as part of a wider curriculum subject, so prior knowledge may have been gained at school. For specialist groups, like GAS, they are likely to be relatively advanced.

Mode of transport They travel on organised transport like shuttles or buses. They are happy to go on short walks but they will be very safety conscious.

Media They are familiar from their home/school like with using various forms of media - ipads, phones and laptops. With the exception of high school kids, it is unlikely they will carry their own device, they may have a class tablet or smartphone.

TimeThey seek activities during the school day, however camps and overnight trips that will draw them for a sunset, sunrise or early evening experience.


1. Titirangi stories

The introduction to Titirangi needs to be an orientation and welcome to Titirangi the location and to Tangata Whenua.

The role of this introductory piece, which would use a map, signage and pou whenua, is to introduce Ngati Oneone and also to describe the points of interest on the site including the Observatory, Star Park and the Navigations components. This map can also work as an introduction/trail head for the network of trails down to the harbour.

The Ngati Oneone voice will be woven throughout the entire experience on Titirangi, and could include the solar calendar, seasonal gardens, fishing guides, etc. It can also vary from the major themes and identity key points of interest for Ngati Oneone and other Tairawhiti iwi that relate to the Second World War.

The storylines and installations will be developed in conjunction with Ngati Oneone.


2. Tairawhiti Night Experience

There is an opportunity to develop a multi-use internal learning/gathering space. The current building has extremely small spaces and isn’t ideal for groups so this opportunity is realistically for a custom-built Observatory Space.

The space would be utilised by groups of up to 15 people with the opportunity for:

• Lecture/Class seating • Sturdy, stackable chairs and tables that can be

arranged for group lectures and meetings

• Screen view of the Telescope optics• Screens that stream what is being seen through

the telescope live. This enables larger groups to participate in astronomy evenings

• The telescope view also streams online, so visitors can watch at home

• Wall-based interactive science explanations to assist with guided tours and group bookings• The three major themes of stars/sun and solar

system and moon are represented in three interactive wall-mounted screens. These each show an animated overview of the significant features of each component with Maori overlays that provide additional perspectives

• Variety of evening programmes that combine astronomy with cultural perspectives. The space can be utilized by private, accredited guides and group leaders who use the internal facilities to host events. Access to the building could be controlled with dedicated swipe card management

• Wifi access for digital podcasts ( see below) and online lessons/programmes/telescope viewing

- based on architectual drawings



2. The Milky Way is shaped like a huge whirlpool that rotates once every 200 million years. It is made up of at least 100 billion stars, as well as dust and gas. It is so big that light takes 100,000 years to cross from one side to the other. Māori perspective: Stories of Te Whānau Mārama (the family of light) and Te Ikaroa (the Milky Way). Te Ikaroa-a-Rauru waka named after the Milky Way.

4. The Moon is an astronomical body that orbits planet Earth, being Earth's only permanent natural satellite. It is the fifth-largest natural satellite in the Solar System, and the largest relative to the size of the planet it orbits (its primary). Māori perspective: Marama, ahoroa, māhina and atarau are common names for the moon. It often associated with fertility and the cycle of life.

1. The Big Bang Theory at its simplest, talks about the universe as we know it starting with a small singularity, then inflating over the next 13.8 billion years to the cosmos that we know today. Māori perspective: Sharing the creation story with the movement from Te Kore (nothingness) to something and from Te Pō (dark) to Te Ao (light).

3. Our solar system consists of an average star we call the Sun, the planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. It includes the satellites of the planets; numerous comets and asteroids. Māori perspective: Mythology stories of Maui, in particular how he caught Te Rā (the sun).

Interactive 1: ORIGINS SequenceA major attraction to the Observatory is an animated visitor experience that covers the big picture story of space and the night sky from a distinctly Tairawhiti perspective.

Access to the building would be strictly controlled with monitored swipe-card access with security camera facilities in place.

In this situation, all visitors are likely to be arriving as a single group and so the show is better suited to a ‘sit and watch’ experience rather than a series of interactive displays. However the screens can be designed so that each sequence can play as a short movie, or be interactive and be navigated by the user.

The scripts for this animated experience can be developed in conjunction with the Gisborne Astronomical Society and Ngati Oneone and will be a unique story of space and what can be seen from Titirangi.

This show will work as:

• An introduction to the Star Compass/Star Park experience

• An Introduction to the Telescope Optics viewing

• A wet weather experience for visitors

It could be hosted by a local narrator, or run as a stand-alone 20 minute storytelling experience, or a mix of both by engaging visitors to interact with the large, multi-touch screens.

An example sequence is shown here that tells the story of the origins of the universe and what is visible in the night sky. It alternates ( either as a sequence or in interactive form) from Western to Māori perspectives.


2. Navigation by the stars. Once orientated, the sequence moves on to how the stars were used as navigational aids by Polynesian explorers. Highlights include the Polynesian and Maori compasses and the naming of reference points after significant whare.

1. Celestial Globe. The sequence begins with a description of how the night sky seems to move to an observer and points out the key frames of reference in terms of constellations, the sun and planets along the horizon and zenith.

3. Maramataka. The next part looks at the phases of the moon and how Māori developed fishing and harvesting guides based on the moon's shape. Each day in the month is named after a moon phase with some being good for fishing and harvesting and others not.

4. Te Rā. The sequence ends by looking at tracking the seasons which was often done by lining the sun up against key maunga (mountains). Sunrise and setting locations were important to guide the planting and harvesting of crops.


Another sequence can focus on the observation of the night sky and its use as a system by navigators and Ngati Oneone.

This story is specifically a cultural interpretation of the night sky and directly relates to the Navigations project and the Star Park and Star Compass installations.

Interactive 2: NIGHT GUIDE Sequence


3. Star Compass

A celestial compass is a device used both by navigators and by Maori for tracking the movement of celestial bodies to assist with navigation, planting, and other seasonal activities.

Most contemporary representations of these compasses are built as a circle with markers or pou at stations within the circle that can be aligned to the rising and setting of significant constellations and stars including the sun. The markers assist the viewer to locate the celestial bodies on the horizon.

We propose that a significant feature of the Observatory redevelopment is a Star Compass that is designed to track the constellations used by navigators of the Pacific and also that used by Ngati Oneone on Titirangi to track the sun and stars along the horizon for seasonal indicators. Additionally, a layer would be added to describe the Maramataka and the use of the lunar calendar for planting and fishing.


3. Star Compass

Option 1

On a clean site develop a purpose built conical structure that enables solar and lunar observations and interpretation on the lower rungs and star viewing on a large platform at the peak. This has an added benefit of providing a tihi on Titirangi.

Option 2

On an earthquake strengthened site, add a platform around the dome of the Observatory to create a star compass that circles the dome. This is not a particularly feasible solution however.

Option 3

For a custom-built building, design a platform on the roof that sits just below the lowest angle of the telescope and circles the dome. This compass includes stars, solar and lunar calendar markings and interpretation.

The only site suitable for a 360 degree compass view of the horizon is on the site of the current observatory. We suggest three conceptual approaches to the Star Compass:


3. Star Compass - Option 1

If the Observatory is pulled down and not rebuilt, then an option is to create a multi-tiered Star Compass through a progressive series of raised platforms.

Each layer marks out the N-S/E-W houses of the Māori Star Compass and also the Maramataka and Solar Calendars. Basic interpretation is provided at each level, but the experience is ideally designed as a guided/hosted event with a knowledgeable guide (or digital alternative) providing stories and insights.

Seating on the tihi is shaped for relaxing night sky observation. This space could also be utilised by portable telescopes for astronomical observation.


3. Star Compass - Option 3

If a new building is constructed then we suggest incorporating a decking system around the dome to allow for the Star Compass.

Visitors access the roof externally and orient themselves with marker pou around a circular compass. The dome will always be central, so this isn’t as ideal as a flat compass, but there should be sufficient room for a guide to host the experience.

The marker pou are removable (but securable) so that GAS can remove or flatten them for specific viewing angles.


4. Star Park

The Star Park is a series of sculptural installations about stars, the solar system and the moon that encourage exploration and playful discovery.

The concept is to develop an outdoor area that links the Navigations ‘Pacific Journeys’ map installation with a range of other tactile, sturdy installations that the public can use to understand the way the earth, moon, sun and stars work and also how Navigators and Maori understood these celestial movements

The objective is to communicate some basic concepts about space that often go unstated, and so aren’t often appreciated. It is also a platform for more detailed knowledge that can be passed on by guides and hosts, either in person on digitally.

The sculptures are relatively large, made of robust materials, and are ideally interactive. They are able to be used for science/cultural communication and as play areas at the same time. Around the main sculpture are a series of smaller stations, information panels and interpretive signage.

Key:

Core stories

Supporting stories

Ngāti Oneone stories

Star Park

Pacific views

Solar System

Lunar

Stars

ROAD + CARPARK

Titirangi


4. Star Park Options

The purpose of the Star Park is to be an exploration of big concepts and Ngati Oneone stories and insights. The space allocated to the storytelling is around the base of the Observatory and so is out of sight initially to most carpark visitors.

We suggest two options are available to implement the Star Park.

Option 2 – Markers/Pou

A marker/pou system similar to Navigations, structured in a similar way but with each marker/pou telling a distinct story, including Ngati Oneone perspectives.

Option 1 – Sculptural

Large base installations, with smaller supporting installations and interpretation and Ngati Oneone installations. The installations can be lit so are accessible during the day or night.


Pacific ViewsThe Paciifc Journeys Map for the Navigations project will be the first major sculptural installation that a visitor to Titirangi would see, as its planned location is just below the Observatory. This will begin the story of the Star Park as it introduces the role of stars and the sun in the context of Pacific Navigation.

The current viewing platform can have a more voyaging–centric interpretation of the stars, including information about specific ancient and contemporary voyaging waka and how they use the stars. This will also take some pressure from the Navigations Pacific Journeys map and enable us to tell more stories.

This platform, with a small model of a Pacific Star Compass, helps transition between Pacific and Māori adaptations of the star compass.

4. Star ParkOPTION 1


StarsNew Zealand’s latitude and the rotation of the earth in relation to the stars is a fundamental concept to explain the night sky as it is viewed from here.

Possible concepts include:

• Constellation Viewer – through a tilted globe, the viewer sees several familiar constellations, and at different positions on a seat, can see how the constellations track across the sky

• Stars – the model stars are positioned with their relative distances from each other, and key facts about stars, light, gravity, etc. are explained with interpretation. When sitting in the Constellation Viewer the stars alight to form constellations

• Pipehenge – arcs and viewshafts that enable the viewer to track celestial bodies – e.g. the arc of a pipe follows the movement of the Belt of Orion through the night sky

• Space Travel – a view towards the Mahia Peninsula to view the Rocket Lab trajectory

Ngati Oneone constellations are represented in the star clusters, and are included in the interpretation throughout.




StarsAll elements of the Star Park will have layers of information added to create interest.

Multiple themes can be represented in a single piece to enhance the self-guided experience, while at the same time offer multiple talking points for any educator lead session.


4. Star Park

Sun and Solar SystemUnderstanding the observation of the rising and setting sun and movement of the moon and planets are shown through solid interactives that communicate these basic principles.

Concepts include:

• Orrery - The basic concepts of how seasons and elipses work are shown in a simple interactive orrery that can work outside.

• Sundials – that show the time and also the eliptical figure eight pattern of the earth’s progress around the sun

• Latitude angle measurer – the sun rises and sets at specific angles depending on the latitude of the observer. A guide rail at a specific angle helps the viewer track the suns movement.

Adjacent to these are examples of Mātauranga Māori told through planted seasonal gardens.

OPTION 1


4. Star Park

LunarThe lunar part of the star park will focus on the phases of the moon. This can be interpreted through a Māori lens, looking at the fishing calendar - maramataka.

The tides, moon rotation and orbit around the earth are all other stories that would be brought to life in the infographic sculpture.

OPTION 1


4. Star Park VisualOPTION 1


4. Star Park - Option 2

This option for creating an outdoor interpretation of the night sky and Ngati Oneone uses of Titirangi for observation is designed to be more like a sweeping series of markers/pou, each with their own story.

It would follow the same basic structure as the sculptural version but uses marker posts similar (but a unique design) to Navigations.

An advantage of this approach is that it will be less expensive to build, and also is a lighter touch on the ground, more in keeping with the approach to Navigations.

Each marker has interpretive information and where possible has a view-shaft created through the marker to draw attention to specific celestial movements, e.g. the Solar Calendar.

These markers can also be back-lit or under-lit to provide evening access.


4. Star Park - Option 2


5. Digital Night Guide

The Star Park and the Star Compass can be interpreted with signage or with a guide/host, however there is an opportunity to augment the experience with simple, seasonal digital guides.

The content can be delivered as podcasts either through an app or a mobile site and be tailored for specific seasons by assisting the visitor to locate the appropriate marker on the Star Compass or in the Star Park.

These are based on podcasts produced as part of the interpretation project and can include:

• Astronomy – a Guide to the night sky• Navigating by the Stars• Planting, Harvesting and Fishing by the Sun,

Planets and Moon

The podcasts are audio storytelling guides that talk the visitor through the night sky, telling them what to look for and them the associated astronomical, cultural and navigational information. They can be updated regularly and can be tailored for events and special occasions in the lunar, solar and celestial calendar.

Pitching the content at the right level will be key. Using the Gisborne Astronomical Societies' grading system for junior star gazers, information up to the level of 'orange belt' would suit free choice/self guided visitors to the observatory. Orange belt topics include:

• locating a range of constellations• star magnitude • planet spotting

The guides are accessed through Wifi at the Observatory, or 4G coverage.

CURRENT EAST VIEW (11pm)

CURRENT WEST VIEW (11pm)

tairawhiti observatory - gisborne district · tairawhiti observatory concept 08 2. tairawhiti night...

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