# Sprawling Solar Observatories This Norwegian Facility is Getting a Greenery-Topped Planetarium By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2018-05-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-observatory References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/solobservatoriet-snohetta/54495/) & [snohetta](https://snohetta.com) The Harestua Solar Observatory is a magnificent scientific facility, located in a remote forest north of the Norwegian capital Oslo, that is receiving a considerable facelift thanks to the intervention of high-tech architecture and design firm Snohetta. This solar observatory is set to be equipped with a gigantic planetarium that will not merely offer educational opportunities but will also feature a wide range of eco-friendly features, including a green roof that will feature grasses, berries and an array of bushes, making it fit in with the surrounding landscape in both an aesthetic and natural sense. The planetarium will also feature a domed theater for astronomical film viewings. While the Harestua Solar Observatory has been around for over half a century, its impending upgrades are set to make it appeal to a new generation of visitors, highlighting the importance of architectural upgrades in making educational facilities remain relevant. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **High-tech Architecture:** Using high-tech architecture to upgrade scientific facilities can enhance their appeal and make them more relevant for future generations. - **Eco-friendly Features:** Incorporating eco-friendly features such as green roofs in educational facilities can create a harmonious and natural connection with the surrounding environment. - **Enhanced Educational Experiences:** Integrating features like a domed theater in a solar observatory can provide visitors with immersive and engaging learning opportunities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Design:** The architecture and design industry can explore innovative ways to incorporate high-tech elements into educational facilities. - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can collaborate with solar observatories to develop eco-friendly features and technologies. - **Education and Entertainment:** The education and entertainment industries can benefit from the integration of immersive experiences in educational facilities like planetariums. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Angular Educational Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta.md) - [Sun-Inspired Disc-Topped Museums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/science-island-museum.md) - [Sustainable Norwegian Timber Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta-school.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Net-Positive Energy Botanical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-selby-botanical-gardens.md) - [Domed Underground Sports Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alma-complex.md) - [Reindeer Herding School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oarvemtta-education-hub.md) - [Kinetic Interaction Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transmutation-observatory.md) - [Rejuvenated Former Bank Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/former-bank-building.md)