4specs.com    4specs.com Home Page

Planetarium specification Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

4specs Discussion Forum » Archive - Specifications Discussions #4 » Planetarium specification « Previous Next »

Author Message
George A. Everding, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: geverding

Post Number: 489
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Thursday, October 08, 2009 - 03:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

A colleague is doing a DD level planetarium specification. Anyone have information on planetariums (planetaria?) they would be willing to share with us? Please post or email me at geverding@cannondesign.com. Thanks
George A. Everding AIA CSI CCS CCCA
Cannon Design - St. Louis, MO
Jeffrey Wilson CSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: wilsonconsulting

Post Number: 20
Registered: 03-2006
Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 10:43 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I'm starting a project that will have a planetarium, for which the manufacturer is providing specs. From my experience, these are typically design-build, with the fabricator/installer preparing all the CDs.

If there isn't a planetarium provider on board for your colleague's project, maybe one would be willing to furnish some DD level info. Spitz is the world leader (spitzinc.com) and happens to be local to the project I'm working on.

Jeff Wilson
Wilson Consulting Inc
Narberth PA
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 38
Registered: 12-2006
Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 11:11 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Hi George. Have you looked at performance specifying around the L-S-H Level system? Take a look at http://www.lochnessproductions.com/pltref/lhs.html for an example. I don't know to what level of involvement Cannon is involved in the design of the facility in terms architectural and theater design versus equipment selection. I did a small project for University of Maryland 20 years ago or so but we broke out every aspect and component for seating, acoustic panels, projection surfaces, etc and let the University buy the equipment and programs. Considering the A-V equipment and planetarium software currently available, there's a lot of weeds for the enterprising designer. Best of luck. I wish I could help.
Karen L. Zaterman, CDT, LEED-AP
Senior Member
Username: kittiz

Post Number: 59
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 02:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Just a thought that may or may not be applicable: technical equipment like this may change quickly. You'll see this frequently in healthcare design where the client wants the latest & greatest so by the time the CDs are complete the desired equipment has changed.

We are also doing an oil terminal that has specialty, long-lead items. On that one the client/owner is procuring the equipment.
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 910
Registered: 07-2002


Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 03:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I agree with the above comments. Each planetarium provider is in essence providing an entire system, including the installation. None of them are the same as anyone else's system. Even the size will vary. You will have to design the planetarium around a specific manufacturer and then have their specs to describe it, or the whole system is a Owner-provided/vendor installed thing. Its like buying a huge piece of medical equipment -- you don't just say "MRI to be selected" -- you have to decide which one.
Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP
Senior Member
Username: redseca2

Post Number: 201
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 05:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

It is interesting that Anne mentioned MRI equipment because I was seeing a similarity between this "planetarium specification" and MRI shielding systems. Each shielding system is unique and often I liken our spec in a project going out to bind as more a "Request for Proposal" from qualified parties than a detail specification.
Karen L. Zaterman, CCS, LEED-AP, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: kittiz

Post Number: 61
Registered: 10-2005
Posted on Friday, October 09, 2009 - 05:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Many of our security projects are like that, too. Because of the constantly changing technology it is better to provide an RFP or perfomance spec.
Interesting world we live in now, isn't it?

Topics | Last Day | Last Week | Tree View | Search | Help/Instructions | Program Credits Administration