A typological study of astronomical observatories [Estudio tipológico de los observatorios astronómicos]

The development of astronomy as a science, construction systems and technology has led to an unplanned evolution of astronomical observatories such as buildings. These changes have been consolidated through a process of trial and error in which certain innovations were discarded while some new features were consolidated and other modifications replaced pre-existing solutions. As is logical, during this process there have also been some failed or partially erroneous projects. According to the constant evolution of the parameters that determine the needs and technical possibilities of the observatories, this paper classifies these astronomical centers, proposing 10 types in the development of astronomical observatories throughout history, and study the features that define them to establish a basic knowledge that will serve the designers of future projects. © 2020.