Logo Design, Emma Nevitt
This was a collaborative project done in my last semester of the MS Themed Experience program working alongside Jon Bryan Salvador, Emma Nevitt, and Layla McCarthy. While we all collaborated on the story and guest experience, Jon and Emma focused on the narrative and key art pieces, while Layla and I focused on the architectural and interior drawings. Steorra Observatory is an interactive edutainment based indoor theme park geared towards families with tween or middle school-aged kids. It focuses on educating guests on how stars and astrology have been used amongst humanity for centuries.
NARRATIVE
For centuries, humans have looked to the stars for guidance, stories, and wisdom. We have all existed under the same night sky, yet we have all discovered different meanings from the twinkling stars above. As our societies have progressed, we have lost sight of many stars and constellations and forgotten their connection to humanity. Many cultures had similar beliefs in the stars, but varying stories and significance. While the domed space will serve as a gathering area for learning and entertainment, it will also act as a gateway into 3 cultures where guests will learn about humanity’s beginnings with the stars: Chinese (Xing Gui), Greek (Asteria Porta), and Maori (Tatau Whetu). Each area will explore varying perspectives and legends held about the stars, constellations, and deities while actively engaging guests with interactive storytelling. Follow a winding labyrinth in China, discovering the love story between the Weaving Girl & the Cowherd. Sail across the celestial ocean and help the mother star Matariki find her missing daughters. And restore the balance between night and day, and Greek goddesses Nyx and Hemera.
This is a white conceptual model of what the building exterior would look like. Inspired from Neo-Classical elements, it features a large main dome in the center and branches off into each area. The entrance dome and vaulted ceiling would be true glass curtain ceilings, while the other domes and vaulted ceilings would be of a solid material that reflects a glass look on the exterior. The interior of these would have a consistently projected night sky so that guests get the feeling of being under the stars during the whole experience. The large building behind is the main show building that has all the lands and attractions.
Facade White Model Conceptual Elevation
LOCATION AND SITE ANALYSIS
GRAPEVINE, TX
Growing spot for family fun entertainment, resorts, and hotels (Universal Kids Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Meow Wolf, Lego Discovery Center, Gaylord Texan), area is relatively affordable with lots of acreage for future expansion, and Texas has the largest reservation for dark sky and star conservation (Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve).
CONSIDERATIONS:
Right off Highway I-121, and will use current road Coppell Road to enter.
Land is currently undeveloped. Only a couple developed plots nearby.
New roads will need an infrastructure plan with the City of Grapevine.
Entirely Indoor Theme Park with climate control.
Back of House is entirely on bottom level with ground changing levels for deliveries.
BREAKDOWN:
Entirely Indoor Theme Park Show Building: 1.4 million square feet
Guest Parking: 363K square feet
Team Parking: 122K square feet
Overall Site: Approximately 1.9 million square feet
Logo Design, Emma Nevitt
The colors of the logo motifs coordinate to the colors illustrated on the plans below to easily break out each area:
LIGHT BLUE: ASTERIA PORTA
GREEN: XING GUI
ORANGE: TATAU WHETU
In addition to these, the following are also indicated on the plans:
GREY: BACK OF HOUSE
BEIGE: ADMISSIONS
PINK: COSMIC CONNECTIONS
PURPLE: STELLARSCOPES
DARKER BLUE: STELLARSCOPES AND LAND VIEWING AREAS
YELLOW: THE ORION (Full-service restaurant)
TEAL: COSMIC CURIOS (Main merchandise store and building exit)
LEVEL 1 FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 2 MODEL PLAN
LEVEL 2 FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 2 MODEL PLAN
LEVEL 3 FLOOR PLAN
LEVEL 3 MODEL PLAN
MAIN DOME AREA
The main dome area is the first area guests see after entering through admissions. They would be on the 2nd level and could look down to watch the show, Cosmic Connections, or they could explore the 2nd and 3rd levels and do the Stellarscope interactives. The Dome and the vaulted ceilings to the left and right would have consistent projections of the night sky with special effects happening to that it keeps people engaged and wanting to learn more.
Colors again for reference to the below enlarged plans:
GREY: BACK OF HOUSE
BEIGE: ADMISSIONS
PINK: COSMIC CONNECTIONS
PURPLE: STELLARSCOPES
DARKER BLUE: STELLARSCOPES AND LAND VIEWING AREAS
YELLOW: THE ORION
TEAL: COSMIC CURIOS
ENLARGED LEVEL 2 PLAN
ENLARGED LEVEL 3 PLAN
Main Dome Area Conceptual Key Art, Emma Nevitt
Main Dome Area 1st Level - White Model
Main Dome Area 2nd Level - White Model
The Orion - Full-service Restaurant Layout, Layla McCarthy
The Orion - Full-service Restaurant Rendering, Layla McCarthy
Cosmic Curios - Main Merchandise Shop and Exit White Model, Layla McCarthy
Cosmic Curios - Main Merchandise Shop and Exit Layout, Layla McCarthy
COSMIC CONNECTIONS: THE STORY OF THE STARS
In the center of the Observatory, a themed show featuring live actors, or "storytellers," representing the Maori, Chinese, and Greek cultures. Each storyteller presents an introductory tale exploring the connection between stars and humanity, emphasizing the unity that transcends cultural differences. Through each culture’s unique narratives, the audience is invited to appreciate the shared essence of humanity underneath the infinite expanse of the cosmos.
Cosmic Connections Conceptual Key Art, Emma Nevitt
STELLARSCOPE INTERACTIVES
An interactive telescope experience where guests move their telescopes to various points within the Main Dome, the Observatory. As they move their telescopes, various stars and constellations appear within the viewing lenses that align with the real-time positions and orientations of the stars.
Another option guests have is an AR app that would allow guests to use their phone and find stars or constellations in real time and learn deeper into their stories and how they relate to different cultures. This would be related to the Stellarscopes but it allows guests to dig a little deeper into learning about the stars and constellations. There could also be a game aspect where they collect star fragments to form a full star cluster before hearing more of the story. It also gives them an option to roam more and not have to just stay within the dome. They could use the app throughout the entirety of Steorra Observatory.
Sketch of Stellarscope Concept, Emma Nevitt
Visual reference image for app idea only.
XING GUI
Xing Gui is the Chinese area of Steorra Observatory. It translates to "Star Path." In Chinese mythology, the stars are intertwined with your fate and they guide you along the path that is set out for you. This is the Chinese area featuring a tea garden & a labyrinth path. Guests can explore the area and enter into the tea garden without entering the full attraction. There is a pond, some bridges and cherry blossom trees.
Xing Gui Enlarged Plan
1st Floor - Xing Gui Key Plan for Area Location
Colors for reference to the below enlarged plans:
BEIGE: ENTRANCE FROM DOME
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO ASTERIA PORTA
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: LEGEND OF THE COWHERD AND WEAVER GIRL SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: GARDEN OF THE HEAVENLY LOOM
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO ASTERIA PORTA
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: LEGEND OF THE COWHERD AND WEAVER GIRL SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: GARDEN OF THE HEAVENLY LOOM
Xing Gui Land Area Concept, Emma Nevitt
Xing Gui Land White Model
A narrative walkthrough experience in which guests may choose between two pathways to explore within a labyrinth - one following the Cowherd, and one the Weaver Girl. The separate pathways include transforming environments that tell the stories of the Weaver Girl and Cowherd constellations, their blooming love for one another, and their tragic separation.
Logo Design, Jon Bryan Salvador
Legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl - Conceptual Key Art, Jon Bryan Salvador
Garden of the Heavenly Loom - Conceptual Key Art, Jon Bryan Salvador
Legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl: A Celestial Path Story utilizes the Garden of the Heavenly Loom as its finale. The garden signifies the yearly coming together of the separated lovers, as it features a leisurely environment for guests to walk around, sit and observe alongside an opportunity to try out different teas. This area would also be open and accessible for guests to explore who may not want to enter the Labyrinth.
Logo Design, Jon Bryan Salvador
The Legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl Attraction Layout, Layla McCarthy
The Legend of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl 3D White Model, Layla McCarthy
TATAU WHETU
Tatau Whetu is the Maori area of Steorra Observatory. It translates to "Star Field." In Maori legend, the stars make up a field across the sky to help guide and track your path. You could never be lost if you knew your stars. Guests can explore this Maori area and learn more about their beliefs in the stars, interact with a special effects water feature, and then board a boat ride where they embark on capturing the missing star fragments.
1st Floor - Tatau Whetu Key Plan for Area Location
Colors for reference to the below enlarged plans:
BEIGE: ENTRANCE FROM DOME
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO ASTERIA PORTA
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: THE LOST STARS OF THE MATARIKI SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: REFLECTION POOL
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO ASTERIA PORTA
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: THE LOST STARS OF THE MATARIKI SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: REFLECTION POOL
Tatau Whetu Enlarged Plan
Tatau Whetu Food Stand Concept - Jon Bryan Salvador
Tatau Whetu White Model of Land Area
Reflection Pool in Tatau Whetu land - Conceptual Key Art, Jon Bryan Salvador
An interactive area where guests can view and interact with the star fragments and learn more about how the Maori view and used the stars.
Guests embark Maori canoe boats, known as wakas, on a journey to help Matariki, the mother star, recover her lost children. During the celebration of Matariki, guests find that the star cluster has disappeared only to soon be greeted by Matariki herself, who explains that her children have shattered into star fragments scattered across the cosmic ocean. By traveling to each star’s cosmic ocean realm, guests must perform the Haka dance moves in order to activate the fragments and restore their power back to the night sky.
Logo Design, Jon Bryan Salvador
The Lost Stars of Matariki - Conceptual Key Art, Jon Bryan Salvador
The Lost Stars of the Matariki Attraction Layout, Layla McCarthy
The Lost Stars of the Matariki Ride Vehicle, Layla McCarthy
ASTERIA PORTA
Asteria Porta is the Greek themed land in Steorra Observatory. It translates to "Star Portal." In Ancient Greece, they believed that stars were the bright souls of those who once lived on earth and that the stars were a way to reach the Gods. Featuring a Grecian town with an ancient temple, guests can explore the town and come upon the temple where an otherworldly experience is waiting for them. Guests can wander in and around the buildings, explore a garden with an old ancient gazeebo and statues, before eventually coming to the attraction entrance.
1st Floor - Asteria Porta Key Plan for Area Location
Colors for reference to the below enlarged plans:
BEIGE: ENTRANCE FROM DOME
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO XING GUI
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: NYX'S NIGHTFALL SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: PATHWAY TO TATAU WHETU
PURPLE: PATHWAY TO XING GUI
YELLOW: FOOD & BEV STAND
ORANGE: MERCH STAND
BLUE: NYX'S NIGHTFALL SHOW BUILDING
TEAL: PATHWAY TO TATAU WHETU
Asteria Porta Enlarged Plan
Asteria Porta Land Area Concept, Emma Nevitt
Asteria Porta White Model of Land Area
Asteria Porta Food Stand Concept, Jon Bryan Salvador
A suspended dark ride similar to ET or Peter Pan. An omni-moving chariot that pulls the night across the sky featuring changes in speed and elevation. Conflict between Nyx (the Goddess of the Night) and Hemera (the Goddess of the Day) has resulted in Nyx’s chariot being stolen. Nyx is offering the guests a once in a lifetime opportunity, to help guide her across the sky to bring the night.
Logo Design, Emma Nevitt
Nyx's Nightfall Conceptual Key Art, Emma Nevitt
Nyx's Nightfall Attraction Layout, Layla McCarthy
Nyx's Nightfall Attraction Ride Vehicle, Layla McCarthy