Dear Friends & Fans of OCA,

Happy Winter Solstice!

As we mark the winter solstice today, the shortest day and longest night of the year, we are reminded of the vital role daylight plays in our health, happiness, and well-being. For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated this moment as a return to longer days and the promise of renewed light.

This celestial event has inspired some of the most remarkable architectural structures globally, from the ancient alignments of Stonehenge in the Northern Hemisphere and Machu Picchu in the Southern Hemisphere to modern passive solar designs that capture the sun's warmth during the coldest months.

Architecture has long been intertwined with the solar cycle, reflecting a deep understanding of astronomical events and embodying our universal desire for light, warmth, and renewal.

In this newsletter, we will look at:

01. Ancient Monuments to Celestial Rhythms: Fascinating examples of solstice-aligned monuments from the ancient world.

02. Modern Solar Movement: How solar awareness continues to influence architects and shape modern architectural design thinking.

PLUS...

03. Featured Project: How we transformed an outdated and dreary High School Science Center in Marin County from a 1960's relic into a modern, light-filled, high-performance learning environment.

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01. Ancient Monuments To Celestial Rhythms

Various ancient and historical sites around the world are notable for their alignment with the winter solstice, reflecting the significance of this astronomical event to the cultures that created them. Below are some of the most prominent examples.

These sites demonstrate a profound understanding of astronomical events and the cultural significance of the winter solstice across various ancient civilizations. They serve as tangible connections to the past, highlighting the importance of light, renewal, and the cyclical nature of time.

Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is one of the most famous sites aligned with the winter solstice. On this day, the stones are perfectly aligned with the setting sun, and a large crowd gathers to witness this event. The alignment involves the central Altar stone and the Slaughter stone, highlighting the spiritual and astronomical importance of the site.

Newgrange, Ireland

Newgrange, a Neolithic passage tomb, is approximately 5,000 years old and predates Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. During the winter solstice, a beam of light enters through a roof-box above the entrance and travels 19 meters down the passage to illuminate the inner chamber for about 17 minutes. This alignment is believed to have been used as a calendar and possibly had spiritual or ritual significance.

Temple of Karnak, Egypt

The Temple of Karnak, dedicated to the sun god Amun-Ra, is aligned so that on the winter solstice, the rising sun shines between two pillars, casting a bright beam of light through the complex. This precise alignment reflects the ancient Egyptians' advanced astronomical knowledge and their reverence for solar deities.

Goseck Circle, Germany

The Goseck Circle, one of the oldest known solar observatories, features gates that align with the winter solstice sunrise. This Neolithic site, built around 4900 BC, demonstrates early European awareness of astronomical events and their importance in agricultural and spiritual practices.

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza, particularly the El Castillo temple, is famous for its alignment during the winter solstice. As the sun rises, it creates a shadow that resembles a serpent descending the stairs of the temple, a phenomenon known as the "Descent of Kukulkan". This alignment is a testament to the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Mayans.

02. Modern Solar Movement

While examples from the ancient world serve as tangible connections to the past, highlighting the importance of light, renewal, and the cyclical nature of time, contemporary “solar awareness” continues to influence architectural design in the modern era in many ways, combining traditional principles with modern technologies to create meaningful places and achieve sustainability goals.

Celestial Alignments

A contemporary example of a building that incorporates celestial alignment is the Shanghai Planetarium, designed by Ennead Architects. This modern structure is a testament to the ongoing influence of astronomical principles in architectural design. 

The Shanghai Planetarium is composed of three main architectural elements: the Oculus, the Inverted Dome, and the Sphere. These components are inspired by celestial bodies and are designed to create an immersive environment that connects visitors with the mysteries of space. The Oculus, suspended above the main entry, serves as a symbolic representation of celestial observation, while the Inverted Dome and the Sphere are designed to track the sun, moon, and stars, enriching the museum experience with actual encounters of celestial movement.

Passive Solar Design Using Sun Path Diagrams And 3D Modeling 

Passive solar design relies heavily on sun path diagrams and 3D modeling to maximize natural sunlight and heat. Sun path diagrams help architects visualize the sun's movement, determining the best building orientation, window placement, and shading device design to optimize solar gain in winter and minimize it in summer. This approach ensures buildings are well-lit in winter and cool in summer. 

Integration With Off-Grid Practices

Off-grid homes often incorporate winter solstice alignments to enhance sustainability. These homes are designed to harness winter sunlight, reducing the need for artificial heating and leading to energy efficiency and lower utility bills. Passive solar homes use large south-facing windows to warm the interior naturally during winter, combined with high insulation and thermal mass elements to minimize conventional heating needs.

Earthship designs and other off-grid homes utilize recycled materials and innovative construction methods to work in harmony with the sun's cycles. They often feature renewable energy systems like solar panels and on-site water collection, enhancing their self-sufficiency and sustainability. By embracing these practices, homeowners can achieve a healthier, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly living environment.

03. Featured Project //

Branson School Tallant Science Center

This renovation of a 1966 high-school science building is a transformative project aimed at creating a modern, healthy, and efficient learning space that exceeds current teaching standards. The updates include redesigned labs and prep rooms, new mechanical, electrical, lighting, and plumbing systems, as well as acoustical improvements and seismic strengthening.

The key feature of the renovation was the addition of a large central skylight and creation of a small exhibition and social area at the top of the main stairway. Designed as a 3m high truncated pentagonal pyramid the skylight reaches above the roofline to capture as much of the abundant Northern California sunshine as possible and channel it into the building's core.

The slope of the truncation is angled at 38 degrees to the horizon approximating the latitudinal position of the building, and oriented due north, creating a symbolic connection to the Polaris, the North Star. This thoughtful design not only brings in natural light but also serves as a teaching tool, spatially illustrating key geometric principles from the curriculum.

Incorporating this skylight as a key design element has created an inviting and productive environment that enhances both teaching and learning experiences, while fostering a deeper connection to and understanding of the natural world.

Resources to Help Start Your Building Journey //

Please reach out to us if you are in a related field (real estate, construction, A&E professional, etc.) and would like to be featured in one of our future newsletters!

OJANEN CHIOU ARCHITECTS is an award-winning architect specializing in custom home design and residential remodels as well as multi-family, mixed-use, tenant improvements, educational, civic/cultural design services.  With over 25 years of experience with modern custom homes, institutional and large-scale commercial projects, OCA’s expertise will help you find the right design solution to meet your goals and budget.

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