PGAV Destinations Engages in Visitor Experience Plan with International Dark Sky Discovery Center
New International Dark Sky Discovery Center will be a first-of-its-kind facility
PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is pleased to engage with International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC) in a visitor experience plan for a first-of-its-kind facility as the world’s center for learning about the importance of dark skies and what lies beyond. The non-profit IDSDC will include four educational attractions: the Dark Sky Observatory-with the largest telescope in the greater Phoenix area, and interactive and experiential learning in the Hyperspace Planetarium, Inspiration Theater, and Immersion Zone.
“I never realized the importance of dark skies for human health and animal wellbeing,” said Tom Owen, PGAV Vice President and project leader. “The International Dark Sky Discovery Center will help people like me make informed choices about effective lighting—how it uses less energy, provides safer communities, protects ecosystems, and creates a future where my children and grandchildren will look up and see their own starry night.”
PGAV’s planning process includes the design of interactions, processes, and strategies to support leading-edge experiences for the prospect of connecting the night sky to life on earth. Planning will take IDSDC through analysis and discovery understanding the client and visitor’s needs, to product and experience development, through implementation, for the overall experience. PGAV will plan and design exhibits, graphics, media, and thematic elements to define the visitor experience and inform architectural planning for the IDSDC.
“We are fortunate to be working with PGAV Destinations, an organization with the proven ability to create unique, memorable, and educational visitor experiences, which is critical for sustainability and growth,” said Joe Bill, President of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center.
IDSDC is committed to preserving dark skies using science-based education and interactive experiences for better understanding of astronomy, the space program, the universe, and life on earth.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now entering its sixth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV Destinations’ key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, The Alamo, National Air & Space Museum, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
About International Dark Sky Discovery Center
The proposed, 15,000 sq. ft., non-profit International Dark Sky Discovery Center is a unique, state-of-the-art, multi-functional facility that will provide science-based education and research opportunities and also serve as a tourism attraction for the state of Arizona and beyond.
Our vision is to become the world’s center for learning about the importance of dark skies and what lies beyond. The unique educational approach using dark sky preservation as a portal to better understanding astronomy, the space program, the universe, and sustainable life on earth will inspire, educate, and stir imaginations. https://darkskycenter.org/
Photo credits IDSDC
