Astrogate: Stellar Alignments in Architecture Exploring the Symbiotic Relationship Between Celestial Mechanics and the Built Environment

Abstract

The thesis aims to envision architectural spaces that not only serve to stimulate public engagement with astronomy and astrophysics, but also serve as a base for astrophysics research. The idea of a Divine power is hardwired in the human subconscious. This idea of an omnipotent transcends our perceptions of the world around us and the concept of religion. Ingrained within us are the remnants of the cosmos. Since long humans have paid homage to the gods and people of power. These civilisations immortalised these entities through built space: temples, monuments, and burial grounds. One prominent aspect of these built spaces is how the master builders of those ancient times had extensive knowledge of the cosmos and the art to translate the celestial imagery into architecture. Thus, the Divine or the omnipotent got immortalised in the image of the cosmos through the built space. This thesis embarks on a voyage into the cosmos to unravel the unfathomable interplay of celestial mechanics and built environments as enshrined by the ancient civilizations. The research starts with an in-depth study of planetary and stellar motion. The next step is to decode the celestial coordinates and delve into the timeless perception of our ancestors, who crafted architecture guided by the megacosm. Moving further, the research will identify the contemporary applications of celestial mechanics in architecture that will support the programs, the building orientation, and celestial alignments.