Studying spectral energy distributions between submillimeter and far-infrared wavelengths has been a central astronomic aspiration for the development of understanding cool universe matter. Relic radiation of the Big Bang -cool matter- primarily consists of molecular gas and dust that constitute the stars, planetary systems, and galaxies. This unique type of matter has a thermal range registered only at submillimiter wavelengths. To understand cool matter a complex instrumentation system is required that can only operate at high levels of atmospheric transparency for microwave light to be seen enabling SUBMILLIMETER ASTRONOMY. Atacama Desert due to its distinctive atmospheric transparency makes possible the application of submillimeter (optical and radio)“visualization” techniques. Recent technological advances have facilitated the installation in the Atacama desert by 2011 an unprecedented astronomic observatory regarding scale and technology: ALMA.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), located on the Chajnantor plain of San Pedro de Atacama will be conformed of 64 high-precision antennas that will have reconfigurable base lines. These antennas will orbit creating an array that will occupy a field ranging between 500 feet to 10 miles creating innumerous conformations. Through the multiplicity of arrangements these orbits create unique territorial and programmatic conditions in flux. The studio will propose a research facility for ALMA constituting infrastructure for the scientific center, as well as, for the community of its perimeter city San Pedro de Atacama that will total approximately 20,000 sq ft. The climatic extremities of the region and the migratory program presented by the orbits will be the basis for the design exploration. Analysis of the array of the orbits within the territory as physical and programmatic conditions will be studied in tandem to specific bio-climatic data. Probing into data visualization processes at multiple scales and media the studio will scan scalar interdependencies within the proposal. The projects will center on design inquiries of BIO-CLIMATIC RESPONSIVE MEMBRANES as means of capitalizing scarce water resources and extreme low humidity conditions.