Like a giant telescope reaching into space: Heatherwick Studio builds a spiral-geometry astronomy tourism center
Heatherwick Studio unveils AlUla Manara, a spiral-geometry astronomy tourism center set to become the newest landmark under one of the world’s most beautiful night skies.
Summary
- The newly designed AlUla Manara by Heatherwick Studio will rise within the AlUla Dark Sky Park in Saudi Arabia, bringing together astronomical research, dark-sky tourism and immersive exhibitions to create a world-class astro-tourism hub that connects science with the wider public.
- The architecture draws on galactic spirals and planetary rings for inspiration, extending toward the sky through three tube-like structures that resemble giant telescopes, while natural stone ties the building back to the desert landscape, expressing a futuristic language that still lives in harmony with nature.
- Beyond a planetarium, rooftop observation decks and live research spaces, the wider site is set to include star-gazing retreats, desert lodging pods and world-class telescopes, inviting travelers to experience the full allure of the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park — from watching the stars, to staying overnight, to diving into scientific discovery.
The ancient city of AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia is known for its sweeping sandstone canyons, millennia-old cultural sites, and clear night skies. Now, this desert landscape is set to welcome a new landmark. Heatherwick Studio, led by British designer Thomas Heatherwick, has unveiled AlUla Manara, an astronomy tourism center designed to resemble a giant telescope stretching toward the sky and to reimagine how we explore the cosmos.
- Related reading: The sky can be a work of art, too: James Turrell’s 100th Skyspace at a Danish art museum
The world’s third-largest dark sky park makes stargazing a destination in its own right
Images courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
In recent years, AlUla has grown into a major global destination for culture and nature. In 2024, DarkSky International certified it as a dark sky park; combined with the surrounding nature reserves, it is now the world’s third-largest dark sky reserve. Free from the glare of city lights, its night skies are remarkably clear, making AlUla a world-class stargazing destination. To further promote astronomy tourism and science education, the Royal Commission for AlUla launched the AlUla Manara project, envisioned as a new landmark bringing together astronomical research, cultural exhibitions, and visitor experiences.
Inspired by cosmic spirals, stretching skyward like a telescope
Images courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
Rather than following the cold, enclosed image of a traditional observatory, Heatherwick Studio looked to some of the universe’s most captivating geometries. Inspired by the spirals of galaxies, planetary rings, and nebulae, as well as the same mathematical patterns found in plants, prehistoric fossils, and shells, the team designed three overlapping tubular structures that resemble giant telescopes. Rising from the desert floor toward the sky, they look from a distance like a futuristic spacecraft settled in the desert. The exterior will be clad in textured natural stone in tones that echo AlUla’s sandstone mountains, allowing the futuristic architecture to blend naturally into the sweeping landscape of this World Heritage site.
More than a planetarium, it is an immersive experience of the cosmos
Images courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
Inside, AlUla Manara will include immersive exhibition spaces, galleries, a planetarium, a restaurant, and a rooftop viewing deck. Most distinctive of all, real astronomical research will take place within the building. Unlike typical museums, which keep research and exhibition spaces entirely separate, AlUla Manara will open select research areas to visitors through behind-the-scenes tours, offering a glimpse of how scientists use advanced equipment to explore the universe and making world-class research part of the public experience. Stuart Wood, executive partner at Heatherwick Studio, says observatories have traditionally felt remote, cold, and removed from the public. The team therefore wanted to create a place where everyone can step into the wonders of the cosmos, making science not only the domain of specialists, but an experience everyone can take part in.
Architecture designed for the dark sky
Images courtesy of Heatherwick Studio
Because AlUla Manara is located within a dark sky park, preventing light pollution was one of the design’s greatest challenges. Each tubular structure incorporates a shading system that reduces the harsh desert sun by day while maintaining optimal stargazing conditions at night. Operable windows will adjust natural ventilation to suit the desert climate, improving energy efficiency while framing shifting views of the desert and night sky indoors. Beyond the visitor center, the wider site will connect with nearby hiking trails and include stargazing lodges, accommodations, and standalone cabins scattered across the desert, allowing guests to spend the night directly beneath the stars.
The site will also eventually feature several world-class telescopes for astronomers from around the world to conduct research, while giving travelers the chance to admire the universe up close beneath some of the world’s darkest, clearest skies.
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