The ongoing construction of the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is minimizing the use of toxic and ecologically harmful materials such as plastics, vinyls, biocides, and other red-list materials throughout to create a public monument geared to environmental sustainability and marine conservation.
The project, led by LMN Architects, is the first substantial addition to the aquarium since 2007. The new construction includes 4645 m2 (50,000 sf) of immersive living exhibits, back-of-house elements, theatrical spaces, and views of the surrounding natural landscape and the urban waterfront.
The main materials being used in the construction are FSC Alaskan Yellow Cedar (harvested from tribally owned and managed forests) for the façade, concrete, curtain wall, insulated glass units, composite metal panels, a carpet created from old fishing nets, acrylic glazing for habitat windows, and paper composite sheet material.
To honor sustainability, one of the core institutional values of the Seattle Aquarium, other design and construction strategies include the use of electrification, and the elimination of fossil fuels, embodied carbon reduction, and heat sharing between the life support and building systems.
Design-wise, the pavilion is to serve as an armature for immersive living exhibits, ecological experiences, exposed back-of-house elements, theatrical spaces, and hands-on exploration. It includes well-placed views of the surrounding landscape and urban waterfront, which connect local stories to the interpretive experiences. Within this context, the design moves away from the traditional “theater of ecosystems” model of aquarium design and acknowledges the rich interplay between human life and ocean life while offering a working model of a thriving human culture that fosters a prosperous marine environment and ocean ethic.
To visibly honor and acknowledge the Aquarium’s location on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, the project team worked closely with local tribes and Indigenous communities to inform and shape the programming, design, and cultural framework for the building, landscape, exhibits, and public art. Engagement included hearing traditional stories from tribal elders, workshops with tribal youth, and regular design sessions with Indigenous consultants.
“The site of the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion is a prominent place in the new waterfront where the waterfront public spaces, the connection to Pike Place Market, and proximity to the Salish Sea intersect. It is a place of importance in the urban framework,” said Mark Reddington, Partner, LMN Architects, “The Ocean Pavilion as the connecting piece in this location demonstrates Seattle’s commitment to fighting climate change. At a time when the world is struggling with massive environmental challenges, and when Seattle is transforming its central waterfront to be integrated with the ecology of the ocean, this project capitalizes on that convergence to elevate the public experience, understanding, and support for the health of the world’s ocean.”
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