Asteria House
IAD: BA
Jennifer Victoria McClure
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Astolabe
2085 Narrative
By 2085, government-controlled megacities sprawled with mindless activity, their skies drowned in light pollution. Ancient knowledge was forgotten, and humanity’s bond with the cosmos lay severed. Amid this synthetic reality, a quiet rebellion took root. Escaping the chaos, Lyra fled to the rural site of Papplewick, where she unearthed a forgotten relic—the astrolabe. This celestial instrument sparked a reawakening. Lyra founded a community devoted to rediscovery, teaching rituals of deep cosmic connection and inspiring others to remember what was lost. The astrolabe became more than a tool—it became a symbol of resistance and renewal, reminding people of the vast universe beyond authoritarian control and artificial light . Under its guidance, they reclaimed wonder, and cosmic connection.
Spatial Concept
The reimagining of Papplewick Pumping Station creates a sanctuary for a community devoted to cosmic bonds. Rooted in the site's history, the design draws from three conceptual anchors: measure, disconnect, and repeat. It offers refuge from the relentless pace of megacities, inviting the group to slow down and engage in rituals of reflection. Repetition forms a meditative cycle, while measurement defines spatial meaning—each room's volume reflecting its relationship to the cosmos.
At the heart of the site lies Asteria House, the core of collective remembrance. This gathering space is designed with an open, angled roof precisely aligned to key star positions in the 2085 sky. Here, the group comes together to observe, remember, and reconnect—finding shared wonder beneath the stars.
