  Negotiations began 1n 1968 for a telescope facility at Perth Observatory for
NASA's International Planetary Patrol Network. 1,000 days later the telescope
saw first light. The facility bears no resemblance to other observatories.
Inside a dome, the telescope sits on a 42 ft tall concrete pier with a
wrap-around staircase and concrete legs. Surrounding forest is similar in
height to the dome, the design of which is counter intuitive. This study
investigated why, at the risk of compromising performance, there was a
departure from standard design, and to to identify drivers for the decision
making. Observatory visitors learn of a government architect, Tadeusz
Andrzejaczek who made whimsical, successive increases to the height of the
structure. Though designed in collaboration with Acting Government Astronomer,
Bertrand Harris, it is improbable that a public servant architect would have
such influence over a scientific installation. Vibration amelioration was met
by designing massive strength and rigidity into the structure. Thermal
expansion and wind stresses were reduced using features such as shade fins and
protective walls, and ground thermal disturbance was addressed by simply making
it tall. Seeing measurements were not a significant design consideration. The
facility exists with its current floor height because of successive approvals
for modification. The initial design was by Harris and requests for redesigns
came from him but in close negotiation the Andrzejaczek who desired a structure
of futuristic shape and proportions. Harris's designs were influenced by his
personal English background and the Old Perth Observatory where he worked as an
astronomer. Andrzejaczek's design was influenced by an observatory in his birth
city, his alignment with contemporary designers and his artistic flair.
