An oceanarium for Miami

Abstract

The personal enjoyment of doing a project located in a subtropical climate, unlike that of Montana, has been something I have wanted to do ever since my internship. Because every project in school has been located in this region, I find that the change from the rigid climatic responses is very welcomed. To be able to design with large open air spaces, very lush vegetation, and water all on the same site, is a perfect opportunity for an exciting project. Working on a project with all of these options will keep the my motivation level at its peak. These, however, are not the only issues that are important. Aesthetically pleasing architecture does not mean that it is good architecture, it is most important that the facility work for the users!! If the project functions well, suits the needs of the users appropriately, and is also visually exciting, then I feel it is a good piece of architecture. I have decided to combine all of these elements and design a aquarium type facility. This type of a project is relatively new in the growing field of zoological architecture. The typical aquarium, in the past, entailed the visitor to be strictly an observer of the aquatic life. I believe that if the visitor is allowed to become part of the experience, (hands on experience) he or she would be able to learn more about the sea life. It is this concept and my excitement that are the driving forces behind this project.