What is paranal observatory residencia?

The Paranal Observatory Residencia is a high-tech and modern hotel facility that is used to accommodate staff and researchers who work at the European Southern Observatory's Paranal Observatory in Chile. It was designed by architect A. Fingerhut and is located on the Cerro Paranal mountain top, which is about 2,635 meters above sea level. The Residencia houses up to 120 people and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including an observatory, a gym, a swimming pool, a sauna, and a library. The building was completed in 2002, and since then, it has earned numerous architectural awards. It is known for its unique and beautiful design, which includes a central courtyard that allows for natural light and ventilation throughout the building. The Residencia also has a strict environmental policy and takes measures to offset its carbon footprint. Overall, the Paranal Observatory Residencia is an important facility that plays a critical role in supporting research in the field of astronomy.