Cinema meets planetarium at Archiview's Infoversum theatre
Dutch studio Archiview gave this planetarium-like cinema in Groningen a spiralling dome structure, which invites comparisons with hats, eyeballs and UFOs (+ slideshow).
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The pop-up movie theatre, known as the Infoversum, was the brainchild of Edwin Valentijn, a professor at the University of Groningen's astronomy department, who was asked to develop a space that would make science more accessible to the general public.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
He came up with an idea of a cinema where visitors can experience a multi-dimensional view of the universe through 3D projections.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
Architect Jack van der Palen of Archiview was then brought on board to give the idea a physical form, and designed a huge white sphere held in place by a ribbon of pre-rusted steel and glass.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
Exactly 83 panels of Corten steel – distinguished by its orange colour – were used to constructed the curved outer skin of the building. These contrast with the ball-like central structure, which is finished in white to help.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum_Groningen_by_Archiview_dezeen_sqA.jpg)
"In time the steel plates will get a beautiful rusty layer, to protect the material underneath from the elements, meanwhile changing the appearance of the building day by day," said the design team in a statement.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
"To make it stand out more, the dome is coated white, which gives it an artistic appearance showcasing the impressive Dutch skies," they added.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
To create the irregular curves that give the building its distinctive shape, it was constructed using techniques normally employed in the ship-building industry, creating a monocoque structure that required little additional support.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
"In the dome and in the lobby can one still see the special construction techniques being used and the actual shape of the outer layers," said the team.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
The interior of the building is arranged over two main storeys. At ground level, a glazed entrance leads into a lobby space known as the Infowave – an interactive digital exhibition that introduces visitors to some of the scientific themes.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_18.jpg)
A mezzanine provides an intermediate space above, while the first floor accommodates the movie theatre, which features a 20-metre-long projection screen. Visitors can tilt back their seats to get a better view.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
A roof terrace allows residents to observe light projections over the roof.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_13.jpg)
External details were designed to not interrupt the smooth forms of the exterior. Windows sit behind perforations in the Corten steel surfaces, while panels peel up to reveal emergency doors.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_21.jpg)
"These perforations and the light that flows through the skylights create a wonderful light show inside the building," added the team.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview_dezeen_468_20.jpg)
Infoversum was designed as a temporary addition to the centre of Groningen, but the team expect it to have a longer lifespan, potentially being installed in a new location.
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview-drawings_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview-drawings_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview-drawings_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview-drawings_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
![Infoversum at the University of Groningen by Archiview](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/07/infoversum-Groningen-by-Archiview-drawings_dezeen_468_3.jpg)