Today Chile is considered one of the most scientifically developed countries in the world. It has twelve scientific research stations, five of them dedicated to tourism, among which the Paniri Caur – Chiu Chiu Observatory and the Pangue Observatory stand out, and seven dedicated purely to science, among which the La Silla Observatory, the Paranal Observatory and the APEX Observatory are at the forefront.

This fact has led to the emergence of Astronomical Tourism in Chile, a new kind of tourism that attracts people of any age, sex or religion.

Astronomical Tourism in Chile is possible year round, thanks to the country’s geography, the world-renowned quality of its sky and its mild climate, which allows for this kind of activity during virtually the entire year.

The majestic Elqui Valley, found in Coquimbo, Chile’s fourth region, is known for its clean and clear sky. This makes it an attractive destination for observatories or simply for those who wish to take part in activities related to Astronomical Tourism. It is also believed that this area has an “energy” that imbues it with mystical and curative powers.

In addition to Coquimbo, further north in Antofagasta, Chile’s second region, Astronomical Tourism has developed in a town called San Pedro de Atacama located in the middle of the Atacama Desert, an area of great interest for this kind of tourism.

This town, located at an altitude of 2,400 m, is considered an area of interest for tourism. It receives around 40,000 visitors a year, many of them attracted by the quality of its sky.

Object

The objective of this competition, International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) in Atacama (Chile), is to create a centre for lovers of Astronomical Tourism to learn and observe the sky.

Whether in a professional or amateur capacity, this activity attracts thousands of tourists to Chile from other continents such as Europe, Asia or Australia, who want to experience the pleasure of discovering and learning about the celestial sphere.

Astronomy is one of the few sciences in which amateurs can still play an active role, especially in discovering and tracking celestial phenomena.

The International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) will be a focal point for international tourism interested in astronomical observation, where visitors will be able to enhance their knowledge and share experiences in an area free of light contamination, offering a unique setting to observe the stars. Light contamination is caused by the diffusion of artificial light that glows in the night sky, reducing visibility of the stars and other celestial bodies.

The International Museum of Astronomy (IMOA) will not be a traditional museum, which merely displays objects and provides information, but rather it will focus on transmitting the science of astronomy through all means available, particularly interactivity and experimentation.

The idea is to create a space that is open to public participation of all ages, a space that excites and inspires, a space that encourages perpetual curiosity.

Prize

The following prizes will be awarded to proposals that best meet the purpose of the competition:

1st Prize

3.750 Euros + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Interview in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine + Publication in Ottagono magazine + Free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine (1 year) + Free digital subscription to Ottagono magazine (1 year) + Free subscription to Paisea magazine (1 year).

The winner or person that represents the winner team will take part of the Jury in the next academic competition.

2nd Prize

1.500 Euros + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine + Publication in Ottagono magazine + Free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine (1 year) + Free digital subscription to Ottagono magazine (1year) + Free subscription to Paisea magazine (1 year).

3rd Prize

625 Euros + Publication in Plataforma Arquitectura + Publication in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine + Publication in Ottagono magazine + Free subscription to WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine (1 year) + Free digital subscription to Ottagono magazine (1 year) + Free subscription to Paisea magazine (1 year).

Arquideas Special Prize

The Arquideas Special Prize will be given, awarded with 500 euros, to the proposal with more votes from Arquideas Community users, among winners, honorable mentions and the finalist projects.

Honorable Mentions

Up to 5 honorable mentions will be given to the most interesting proposals in terms of architectural quality, and which have not received any of the first three prizes, and will be awarded with the publication of the project in WA Wettbewerbe Aktuell magazine.

Registration Fee

The registration period falls between October 14, 2013 and January 16, 2014.

Early registration: (from Octobre 14, 2013 to November 29, 2013)

50 € individual registration
75 € team registration (from 2 to 4 members)

Regular registration: (from November 30, 2013 to January 16, 2014)

75 € individual registration
100 € team registration (from 2 to 4 members)

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