Sphere Pardubice: Modern Polytechnical Workshops with Unique Projection Technology

The emergence of a new object, which was born from a former flour warehouse in the grounds of the Automatic Mills, is the work of architect Jan Šépka's studio. Everything came to be thanks to the Automatic Mills Foundation of the Smetana couple, who purchased the premises in 2016 and, in collaboration with the city of Pardubice and the Pardubice Region, restored this national cultural monument. In the new building, in addition to Sphère, visitors can also visit the Gallery of the City of Pardubice.

One of the biggest attractions is the aforementioned space Science on a Sphere. It offers over 700 educational programs focused not only on natural laws but also on history. The centerpiece is an almost two-meter model of planet Earth, serving as a projection surface on which, for example, measurements and observations of current weather, ocean currents, or nighttime lighting on individual continents are projected. In synergy with this projection surface, there is an impressive and atypical projection ring.

The adjustments to the spatial acoustics in the case of the projection hall Sphère were quite specific: acoustic panels are incorporated into the cladding of the large projection ring suspended below the acoustic ceiling. The main interior and design element used throughout the object is corten steel, and this was also the case for the acoustic ceiling and the external cladding of the ring in the projection room. The degree of corrosion of the perforated corten underwent strict control and approval from the architect. Only then was the surface conserved with a transparent varnish and applied within the acoustic panels. The internal projection surface of the ring consists of drywall sheets coated with a special projection paint for flawless projection. Acoustic curtains were placed on the transverse walls of the hall as variable elements of spatial acoustics, allowing the acoustic parameters of the space to be adapted to the current program.

During the implementation of the acoustic adjustments and the supply of the projection ring, it was necessary to carry out challenging coordination of elements right from the beginning. This primarily involved the collision of the ring's anchoring cables and the ventilation outlets under the ceiling. To secure the assembly of cameras and projectors, the projection part of the ring was supplemented with an added circular structure made of seamless bent pipes.

The result represents a unique combination of precisely designed spatial acoustics and top-notch sound and projection technology, including the projection sphere. Everything is emphasized by a unique design. In combination with the content and form of the educational programs, the Sphère space guarantees visitors a unique experience.