The approach to Jodrell Bank Observatory’s new First Light Pavilion is designed to instil a sense of surprise and wonder. Visitors approach two parallel curved concrete walls suggestive of a new moon, along a simple concrete path. 

One wall is higher than the other; the lower wall is punctuated by a central vertical slot. Behind the walls is a large mound of earth. What could this be? A sculpture, a garden folly, or a modern take on an ancient burial ground? Continue along the path into the space between the walls and visitors end up inside an entrance hall and go under a large archway into Jodrell Bank’s new visitor centre.

The visual approach cues are not random. The external walls are indeed intended to reference celestial bodies which is, after all, what Jodrell Bank is all about.