MANHATTAN LANDING AQUARIUM 
£ 
WATERFRONT PARK 
DAWN E. FICKE 
P378 
.F4458 
.. ; 
STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO COPY 
In presenting this paper in partial fulfillment of the 
requirements for a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Montana 
State University, I agree that the library shall make it freely 
available for inspection and study. I further agree that 
permission for extensive copying of the paper for scholarly 
purposes may be granted by my Major Professor or in his/her 
absence, by the Head of the Library. It is understood that any 
copying of this paper for financial gain shall not be allowed 
without my written permission. 
Dawn E. Ficke 
MANHATTAN LANDING AQUARIUM AND WATERFRONT PARK 
BY 
DAWN E. FICKE 
a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment 
of the requirements for the degree of 
BACHELORS OF ARCHITECTURE 
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY 
1987 
Approved By: 
isor 
Director, Scool of Architecture 
n: Adv 
nger 
this thesis project is dedicated to 
my parents, who have always been an 
inspiration to me 
Make no little plans; they have no 
nagic to stir ten's blood and probably 
themselves will not be realized. Make 
big plans; aim high in hope and work. 
Remembering that a noble, logical 
diagram once recorded will never die, 
but long after will be a living thing, 
asserting itself with evergrowing 
intensity. Remember that our sons 
and grandsons are going to do things 
that would stagger us. Let your watchword 
be order and your beacon beauty. 
Daniel Hudson Burnham 
1846-1912 
TABLE OP CONTENTS 
Page 
Table of Maps II 
1. Proposal 1 
2. History 
New York 2 
Aquariums 5 
3. Site 
Climate 7 
Zoning 10 
Site Considerations 11 
4. Case Studies 12 
5. Program 31 
6. Design Philosophy 62 
7. Design 63 
8. Bibliography 64 
TABLE OF MAPS 
Between Pages 
Site Map 6-7 
Zoning Map 11-12 
Expressways and Mass Transit Map 11-12 
Land Use Policy Map 11-12 
Community Resource Map 11-12 
View Corridor Map 11-12 
Landfill Map 11-12 
Figure Ground Study Map 11-12 

PROPOSAL 
One of New Yorks' greatest assets is its' extensive 
waterfront. For my thesis project I am designing an Aquarium 
and a waterfront park concept for Lower Manhattan. The site that 
I have chosen is located on the waterfront, between the Battery 
Park (to the south), and the South Street Seaport (to the north). 
Developing the waterfront between Battery Park and the South 
Street Seaport provides a unique opportunity to exploit the 
waterfront for the public's enjoyment. The proposed aquarium 
would open the waterfront up to the public, and it would act as a 
catalyst for the area. The aquarium and park would function as a 
connection between the downtown core and the waterfront, and the 
South Street Seaport and Battery Park. The future of New York 
will be enhanced with this project ( as well as ensuring the 
growth and the popularity of Lower Manhattan ) by improving the 
variety and quality of attractions to the city while retaining 
the surrounding area's integrity. The horizons for the future 
will be expanded while the problems of today are responded to. 
To justify the use of such a prominent and influential site, 
a high level of performance must be required of the development. 
The goals will be clearly stated and responded to. The visual and 
the physical corridors and the need for public accessibility are 
major factors that the form of the development will have to take 
into consideration. Other considerations that will be addressed 
in the project are: the existing dominant open spaces, the 
existing pedestrian and vehicular patterns, and the continuity of 
the city through selectively relating to surrounding building 
heights and bulk placement. 
HISTORY 
THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK CITY 
The history of New York City is very intriguing, beginning 
with Peter Minuits acquisition of Manhattan Island from the 
Alongiquin Indians, to the growth of the largest financial 
district in the world. The layers of history are visible in the 
streets of the city, which reflect the events, eras and hardships 
that have been experienced there. It is this aura that is the 
soul of New York Cityl. 
The Dutch territory of New Amsterdam was seized by the 
British in 1664; it was renamed New York: and had a population 
of 800 . New York had an important location in the colonial days 
because it was situated between Boston to the north and 
Philadelphia and Virginia to the south. In 1676 the construction 
of the great Dock, located near the foot of Broad Street, 
stimulated New York's growth as a seaport.2 
At the beginning of the American revolution New York fell 
quickly to the British. It was soon thereafter that one third of 
the city was destroyed by fire: The entire mercantile district 
along Broad Street, 1000 homes and shops, and the Trinity Church 
were reduced to ashes. During the seven years of the British 
occupation New York was a haven for refugee loyalist and runaway 
slaves.3 
In late 1773 the American flag was flying over New York. 
It wasn't long before New York was flourishing. In 1789 New York 
became our nations first capital, and George Washington took the 
oath of office as its first president. Alexander Hamilton opened 
the city's first bank in the same year, and in 1792 the New York 
Stock and Exchange Board was established at 21 Broad Street (it 
moved to Wall Street 10 years later). As Irish, German and Scots 
immigrated to the city, the wealthier residents moved out to Long 
Island or the suburbs uptown to escape the industrial noise. In 
1800 New York had a population of 60,515, and was the largest 
city in America.4 
1 Goldman, Tribeca Historical Aspects, Office of lower 
Manhattan Development. 
2 ibid 
3 Ibid 
4 Ibid 
D u r i n g  t h e  n i n e t e e n t h  c e n t u r y  N e w  Y o r k s  e c o n o m y  w a s  
s t i m u l a t e d  b y  m a n y  f a c t o r s .  T r a d e  a n d  s h i p p i n g  d e v e l o p e d  a l o n g  
t h e  w a t e r f r o n t ,  a n d  i n s u r a n c e  a n d  l a w  f i r m s  f o l l o w e d  t h e  s t o c k  
e x c h a n g e  a n d  t h e  s h i p p i n g  c o m p a n i e s .  A  n e w  C i t y  H a l l  w a s  b u i l t  o n  
C h a m b e r s  S t r e e t ,  w h i c h  w a s  t h e n  o n  t h e  n o r t h  e d g e  o f  t o w n .  T h e  
B a y  l i n k e d  N e w  Y o r k  w i t h  t h e  r e s t  o f  t h e  w o r l d .  T h e  w a t e r f r o n t  
w a s  a  s o u r c e  o f  a c t i v i t y .  W i t h  t h e  r i v e r  l i n k i n g  t h e  c i t y  w i t h  
u p s t a t e ,  t h e  L o n g  I s l a n d  s o u n d  l i n k i n g  i t  w i t h  N e w  E n g l a n d ,  a n d  
w i t h  t h e  c o m p l e t i o n  o f  t h e  E r i e  C a n a l  i n  1 8 2 1  a n d  t h e  e x t e n s i o n s  
o f  t h e  r a i l r o a d s  i n  t h e  m i d  c e n t u r y ,  N e w  Y o r k ' s  e c o n o m y  
f l o u r  i  s h e d . 5  
D u r i n g  t h e  m i d d l e  o f  t h e  n i n e t e e n t h  c e n t u r y  N e w  Y o r k ' s  
b u s i n e s s  d i s t r i c t  w a s  e x p a n d i n g  n o r t h w a r d .  T h e  r e t a i l  a c t i v i t y  
w a s  i n i t i a l l y  a t  U n i o n  S q u a r e  t h e n  a t  2 3 r d  S t r e e t ,  t h e n  3 4 t h  
S t r e e t  a n d  f i n a l l y  i t s  p r e s e n t  l o c a t i o n  i n  M i d t o w n .  M a n u f a c t u r e r s  
a n d  w h o l e s a l e r s  a l s o  m o v e d  n o r t h . 6  
The financial community thrived and by the first quarter of 
t he twentieth century Wall Street was the symbol of c apitalism 
throughout the world. The financial crash in 1 9 2 9  was followed by 
depression and then war. T echnological d evelopments made many 
c ommercial and industrial facilities in the area obsolete. 
Manufacturing and wholesale activities declined rapidly. D ocks 
fell idle, and with new methods of h andling cargo, shipping 
companies were forced t o new locations."7 
F o l l o w i n g  W o r l d  W a r  I I  a n d  u p  u n t i l  1 9 5 5  t h e  b u i l d i n g  b o o m  
l e f t  l o w e r  M a n h a t t a n  v i r t u a l l y  u n t o u c h e d ,  a n d  c e n t e r e d  i t s e l f  i n  
M i d t o w n .  D u r i n g  t h i s  p e r i o d  n u m e r o u s  b a n k s ,  i n s u r a n c e  c o m p a n i e s ,  
l a w  f i r m s ,  a n d  c o r p o r a t e  h e a d q u a r t e r s  m o v e d  f r o m  d e t e r i o r a t i n g  
o f f i c e s  i n  l o w e r  M a n h a t t a n  t o  n e w  b u i l d i n g s  i n  M i d t o w n . 8  
There were several factors that did prevent t h e total 
decline of l ower Manhattan: 
1 . Finance and government were growing rapidly 
r e quiring more office space than what the new 
buildings could provide thus causing modernization 
o f  o l d  b u i l d i n g s .  
2 .  I n  1 9 5 5  C h a s e  M a n h a t t a n  B a n k  a n n o u n c e d  i t s  d e c i s i o n  
t o  b u i l d  a  6 0  s t o r y  b u i l d i n g  i n  l o w e r  M a n h a t t a n .  
3 .  T h e  c i t y  d e c i d e d  t o  b a c k  p r i v a t e  i n v e s t m e n t s  w i t h  
5 Goldman, Tribeca Historical Aspects, Office of Lower 
M a n h a t t a n  D e v e l o p m e n t ,  J u n e  1 9 7 4 .  
6  Ibid 
7  ibid 
8  Ibid 
3 .  ( c o n t i n u e d ) p u b l i c  m o n i e s  f o r  p r o j e c t s  s u c h  a s  a  n e w  
c i v i c  c e n t e r ,  t h e  B r o o k l y n  B r i d g e ,  t h e  s o u t h w e s t  
r e n e w a l  a r e a ,  a n d  t h e  r e l o c a t i o n  o f  t h e  W a s h i n g t o n  
M a r k e t .  
F r o m  t h i s  a r o s e  a n  u n p r e c e d e n t e d  b o o m  i n  o f f i c e  c o n s t r u c t i o n  ( t h e  
W o r l d  T r a d e  C e n t e r ,  t h e  N e w  Y o r k  S t o c k  E x c h a n g e ,  a n d  B a t t e r y  P a r k  
C i t y ) .  B y  1 9 7 0  1 9  m i l l i o n  s q u a r e  f e e t  o f  n e w  o f f i c e  s p a c e  h a d  
b e e n  i n c o r p o r a t e d  i n  t h e  c i t y ,  w i t h  m o r e  t h a n  7 0  b u i l d i n g s  b e i n g  
renovated between 1965 and 1970. 9  
In 1 9 6 5 ,  4 5 0 , 0 0 0  people worked below Canal Street, with 
nearly 200,000 people concentrated between Beekman and Beaver, 
and Water and Church Streets. The construction boom was to have 
added another 120,000 people by 1972. The Majority of these 
workers were in the financial community. The nation's major stock 
e x c h a n g e s ,  c o m m o d i t y  m a r k e t s ,  c o m m e r c i a l  b a n k s ,  i n s u r a n c e  
companies, major utilities, shipping companies, and many of the 
largest law firms all have central offices located in this area. 
Finance dominates the office core and will continue to do so, as 
long as stock trading continues to increase.10 
9  Goldman, Tribeca Historical Aspects, Office of Lower 
M a n h a t t a n  D e v e l o p m e n t ,  J u n e  1 9 7 4 .  
1 0  Ibid 
THE HISTORY OP AQUARIUMS 
The enduring mystery of the aquatic world is a fascination 
that is hard to explain. It is a fascination that is dated back 
to the Sumarians in 2500 B.C., when ponds and pools were stocked 
with fish for food. It is the Chinese who are credited with 
engineering the home-aquarium hobby, with the domestication of 
carp more than 2,000 years ago, and with the developing of fancy 
goldfish to be kept inside porcelain vessels ( during the Sung 
dynasty, 960-1278 ). The Chinese are considered the first fish 
watchers which today has no territorial bounds. Carp and goldfish 
are freshwater fish; however, the ancient Romans penned marine 
fish in pools connected to the sea and kept them as pets. 
Although zoological parks have existed for more than 2,000 
years, it was not until the middle of the last century (1853) 
that a fish house was opened in the Garden of Regents Park, by 
the Zoological Society of London. The fish house consisted of a 
number standing glass aquariums in a conservatory-like building, 
holding both freshwater and saltwater fish. The exhibit was 
incredibly successful and set off a craze in England for keeping 
fish in homes.11 
America was slow to follow suit, and it was not until 1896 
that the New York Aquarium opened as the first permanent exhibit 
in the United States. There are presently well over 100 
permanent exhibits in the United States. 
11 Bridges, The New York Aquarium Book of the Water World. 
New York, 1970. 
LI 
• 
mm 
SITE 
The decision to use Lower Manhattan as the site for my 
thesis was not a planned one. However, with the opportunity, and 
some initial research, the inspiration that the city generates 
was enough to make my decision easy. The site that I chose, 
Manhattan Landing, reinforced my attraction to the city. The 
challenge that the site provides is unquestionable. The issues 
that need to be responded to are clear and straightforward. 
The restrictions of the site are both implied (by the issues 
and the previous proposals), and physical. These restrictions are 
covered in the programming part of this document. Due to 
existing conditions, the project will be built using pile and 
platform construction with a reinforced concrete deck. The 
factors limiting the construction method are the great number of 
subways under the East River, the higher ratio of perimeter to 
filled land in the East River, the speed of construction, and the 
consideration that platforms can be depreciated.3-2 
12 Baiter, Lower Manhattan Waterfront, Office of Lower 
Manhattan Development, June 1975. pp.11. 
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CLIMATE ANALYSIS 
Climate analysis for the New York area. 
1. TEMPERATURE: 
Highest recorded temperature is 102 degrees F ; lowest 
-14 degrees F. Recommended summer design temperature is 88 
degrees F based on conditions occurring on exceptionally hot 
afternoons from May through September. Winter design temperature 
will be taken as 8 degrees F, a condition which is exceeded only 
1% hours yearly. 
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION IN ANNUAL HOURS, 
over 85 degrees F 
65 
45 
25 
0 
2 .  
The 
85 
65 
45 
25 
degrees 
degrees 
degrees 
degrees 
3% occurring sometimes in July and 
August 
28% major summer climate 
32% spring and fall 
31% major winter climate 
6% occurs in December, January, and 
February 
SUN 
of clear and cloudy days is fairly 
Maximum amount of possible sunshine 
distribution 
uniform throughout the year, 
occurs in September (68%), minimum in January (53%). Solar heat 
can be a valuable contribution during underheated times. Shading 
is necessary in the hot periods. Careful balance should be 
established. 
3. WIND: 
Wind velocities are generally stable throughout the 
year, with 10 mph summer and 12 mph winter average speeds. 
Prevailing winds during underheated periods ( October - April ) 
come from the NW direction; during the overheated season they are 
variable from S to SW. During the hottest part of summer days the 
prevailing direction is south. High velocity winds (over 15 mph) 
are infrequent. In January and February, however NW, W, and SW 
strong winds occur. 40 mph wind velocities are probable in any 
month; velocities over 60 mph are seldom measured. 
4. PRECIPITATION: 
Monthly averages are fairly uniform throughout the 
year; varying from 3.0" in November to 4.3" in August. Greatest 
precipitation of 14.5" was recorded in September. Heavy 
cloudbursts in summer might bring 1" of rainfall in fifteen 
minutes, or 4" - 5" in a single day. 
5. SNOW: 
Design for snowfall up to l1. Amount of snowfall varies 
considerably. Snow cover lasts normally only a couple of days. 
6. RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND VAPOR PRESSURE: 
Yearly average of relative humidity lies between 56-
76%. The relative humidity is lower in the winter than in the 
summer, where it rises top 80% or more through four months. Vapor 
pressure is highest in July and August averaging 24mm Hg, but in 
extreme situations it rises to 24 mm Hg during these three 
months . 
APPLICATION 
HOUSING LAYOUT 
1. Site selection -
Slopes East of South are preferable, similar to 
orientation requirements. "Warm slope" area is best, but lower 
and upper inclined positions are also advantageous if wind 
sheltering is provided. Breeze utilization in warn periods is 
important. 
2. Town Structure -
An open and free layout 
merge with nature is preferred. 
possibilities of free arrangement. 
3. Public Spaces -
Open lawns with grouped shade trees 
Roads are best planned in SW direction to avoid 
to channel summer breezes. Walking distances 
freely. 
4. Landscape -
Indoor and outdoor relationships in house design should 
be considered. Use of outdoor living areas can be extended for 
several months as adjuncts to interior areas, if properly 
desi gned. 
5. Vegetation -
Windbreaks are desirable against winter NW wind 
direction. Tree layouts, however, should not block prevailing SW 
summer breezes. Evergreen trees are best for wind protection; 
deciduous for shading purposes. Lawns near structure are useful 
for radiation absorption. Shade trees are preferred on E and W 
sides of residences. 
of buildings which tend to 
Town pattern utilizes the 
are desireable. 
winter winds and 
can be arranged 
SHELTER DESIGN 
1. House Types -
This region 
close relationship be 
possible. Unilateral 
free formations. 
permits the most fie 
tween house and nat 
buildings can be dev 
xible arrangements. A 
ure is desirable and 
eloped with relatively 
2. General arrangement -
The large range of thermal conditions•requires the 
utilization of radiation and wind effects, as will as protection 
from them. Hence, a dual role is required of the structure. 
3. Plan -
Freedom in plan design is characterized by spatial 
connections of outdoor and indoor areas. Buildings should open 
to S-SE and be closed on westerly sides. Bedrooms should be 
located on easterly sides, open porch on S-SE side (useful 31% of 
year, or if glass enclosed, 61% of the year). 
4. Form, Volume -
Wings protruding along the N-S axis receive less 
"penalty," than in other zones. Therefore cross-shaped or free 
building formations are possible; however, elongation in E-W 
axis is preferable, with the optimum shape being 1:1.6. Volume 
effect is not too important. 
5. Orientation -
Sol-air orientation of 17 1/2 degrees E of S secures 
balanced heat distribution. The orientation of high buildings 
should be correlated with wind exposure. 
6. Interior -
Provision for adequate cross ventilation is necessary. 
Humidity-producing areas should be separated from the rest of the 
building. Sun penetration is desirable; therefore depths of 
interiors should not be excessive. 
7. Color -
Medium colors are advantageous; Dark colors only in 
recessed places protected from summer sun; light colors on roof 
surfaces. 
Olgay, Dessign With Climate, Princetown University 
Press, 1963, copied directly from page 160. 
ZONING DISTRICTS 
The proposed site is within the Manhattan Landing, which 
consists of approximately 113 acres extending along the East 
River waterfront from the ferry terminal to the Manhattan bridge, 
between the U.S. pierhead line and South Street. The site lies 
within this area, running along the waterfront from the ferry 
terminal to the Brooklyn Bridge. The entire area of Manhattan 
Landing is controlled by leases from the city to the developers 
of a lot, by the urban renewal plan, by the special zoning 
district, and by underlying zoning. The area between the U.S. 
Pierhead line is subject to federal declaration of non-
navigability and a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 
The development must comply with the requirements of various city 
and state agencies that have jurisdiction over particular aspects 
of the project.14 
The special Zoning districts were approved in 1973 by the 
Board of Estimate of the city of New York for the districts of 
Battery Park City and Manhattan Landing. These Districts are now 
incorporated in the New York City Zoning Resolution.^ 
Special Zoning districts are a fairly recent innovation in 
zoning. The first special zoning district in New York was the 
Theatre District incorporated in the city zoning resolution in 
1967. Some objectives of the Special Zoning Districts are: to 
provide civic and urban design amenities; to improve the 
pedestrian circulation system; to increase retail shopping 
opportunities; to preserve parks, neighborhoods, and historic 
landmarks; and to control large scale development.16 
The specific goals of the Lower Manhattan waterfront 
districts are: continuity with the existing city; efficient land 
use; contact with the waterfront; improved pedestrian and 
vehicular circulation; sufficient retail shopping and services; 
new residential neighborhoods; and simplicity of administration. 
The special districts try to accommodate the needs of a 
pluralistic society. 
The underlying zoning designations are what establishes the 
basic bulk and land use requirements for Manhattan Landing, 
14 Baiter, Lower Manhattan Waterfront, Office of Lower 
Manhattan Development, June 1975, pp. 10-23. 
15 ibid 
1® Ibid 
rather than the Special District. Parcels which are to be devoted 
to recreational purposes have been zoned C2-8. Parcels intended 
for office or mix use have been zoned C5-3CR. Modifications of 
underlying zoning have been made to deal effectively with 
programmatic considerations and the unique character of 
waterfront development. These modifications to bulk, land use, 
open space, and parking have been accomplished through the 
technique of the special zoning district, which is an effective 
tool for relating general zoning regulations to a particular 
context.1^ 
17 Baiter, Lower Manhattan Waterfront, Office of Lower 
Manhattan Development, June 1974. 
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CASE STUDIES 
CASE STUDY 1 
THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM 
SITING / LOCATION: Boston Harbor, Central Wharf. 
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION: Le Corbusiers' Museum scheme. 
RATIONAL / PHILOSOPHY: "World of water as it relates to man". 
SQUARE FEET: 
PEOPLE / DAY: 6000 
ARCHITECTS: Cambridge Seven and Associates 
The New England Aquarium is located on Central Wharf in 
Boston harbor. It is along part of the waterfront that has gone 
through major renovation. It is one the main attractions for the 
"walk to the sea" which is part of the city's plan for opening 
the waterfront up for the public, primarily the pedestrian. The 
Aquarium opened up in June of 1969,and has since drawn more than 
6000 visitors a day to the waterfront area. The Aquarium was 
designed by Cambridge Seven Associates, with a goal of creating 
an aquatic museum. 
The theme of the aquarium is to display " the world of 
water as it relates to our communities in areas of health, 
recreation, aquaculture, industry and commerce, since mans proper 
utilization of water is crucial to his survival on this planet." 
This is done by the various exhibits throughout the aquarium. The 
exhibits represent more than 70% of the earths' surface, fresh 
and saltwater, from temperate to tropical to cold climates. The 
exhibits are on 5 levels connected by a rectangular spiral of 
narrow ramps on the perimeter of a rectangular plan for traffic 
moving upwards. It utilizes a one way flow of traffic to ensure 
crowds moving steadily through on overcrowded weekends, and to 
offer constantly changing views. 
The water exhibits are alternated with graphic presentations 
( m u r a l s ,  p h o t o g r a p h s ,  e t c . )  o f f e r i n g  a n  i n t e r e s t i n g  v i s u a l  
variety for the visitor. This also provides a good opportunity to 
introduce the appropriate text for each display. 
CASE STUDY 1 
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM (continued) 
The geometry of the aquarium is a crisp, simple, and 
reticently sophisticated rectangular box. The poured-in-place 
precast concrete structure is enclosed with precast-on-site 
concrete panels. A large quasi supergraphic logo and a permanent 
overhead crane above the service stair provide pop like 
ornament.18 
CLIO*". 
-n"T '!• 
18 "Bostons Underwater Enviroment: The New England Aquarium: 
Cambridge Seven Associates". Progressive Architecture, 
50:96-10, December 1969. 
I 
HARBOR 
ROOM BRIDGE TO GALLERY IB 
GALLERY 38 
COLO MARINE! 
RAMP TO GALLERY 3A 
TH. LEVEL 
3RD LEVEL 
RAMP TO GALLERY 2 8 
LECTURE 
ROOM 
GALLERY GALLERY !A 
TROPICAL WORLL Or MARINE WATER 
INFORMATION 
GIFT SHOP 
ADMISSIONS LOBBY 
I  ST LEVEL 
VIEWING 
RING 
RAMP TO GALLERY 28 
RAMP TO GALLERY 3A SHARK SILHOUETTES 
CASE STUDY 1 
THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM 
1-2 Entrance/Exit/Lobby/ 
Information 
3. Admissions 
4. Restrooms 
5. Lecture Room 
6. Gallery 1A 
World of Water 
6a. Mechanical 
7. Gift Shop 
8. Giant Ocean Tank 
four floors @ 1256 s.f 
9. Freshwater Tray 
10. Gallery 2B 
Temperate Marine 
10a. Mechanical 
11. Shark silhouettes 
12. Offices 
13. Gallery 3A 
Freshwater 
13a. Mechanical 
14. Childrens Aquarium 
15. Harbor Room 
16. Gallery 3B 
Cold Marine 
16a. Mechanical 
17. Staff 
18. Projection Screen 
PROGRAM 
600 s.f. 
400 s.f. 
600 s.f. 
1100 s.f 
1080 s.f 
1260 s.f 
600 s.f. 
5026 s.f 
7200 s.f 
1080 s.f 
1260 s.f 
400 s.f. 
1680 s.f 
1080 s.f 
1260 s.f 
1500 s.f 
225 s.f. 
1080 s.f 
1260 s.f 
4200 s.f 
360 s.f. 
CASE STUDY 1 
THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM 
PROGRAM (continued) 
Total Square Feet for Functions 
(exhibits, programs, support) 33,415 s.f. 
Total Square Feet for Circulation 12,045 s.f. 
Open Space 8,000 s.f. 
Total Square Feet 
(including structure) 53,460 s.f 
Total square feet of tanks 18,046 s.f. 
Total square feet of Mechanical 5,040 s.f. 
5,040/18,046 = 30% of water s.f. = mechanical 
Jl3— 
l|AA/vA/\AA| 
LONOITUDINAL MOTION 
CASE STUDY 2 
THE BALTIMORE AQUARIUM 
SITING / LOCATION: On the end of a pier, jutting into the 
the Baltimore harbor. 
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION: Carefully organized, one directional 
route. Consisting of a beginning, climax 
and resolution. 
RATIONAL / PHILOSOPHY: To provoke people into thinking about 
the responsibility we have for what we 
do. Dynamism and activity of living 
animals with educational programs and 
exhibits. 
SQUARE FEET: 
PEOPLE / DAY: 
ARCHITECTS: Cambridge Seven and Associates 
The Baltimore Aquarium is located on a very dramatic site; 
It is the newest attraction to Baltimores' thriving Inner Harbor. 
It is on the end of a pier, jutting out into the harbor. The 
Aquarium has a prescence that is only matched by a massive old 
power plant to the north. 
The Baltimore Aquarium was designed for a one-directional 
non-detouring path for two reasons: for a more efficient use of a 
small amount of space and to add cohesiveness to the visit, for a 
v i s i t  " t h a t  i s  r e a l l y  n o t  u n l i k e  a  p o e m  o r  a  b o o k "  w i t h  a  
beginning, climax and resolution or conclusion ( very similar to 
CASE STUDY 2 
BALTIMORE AQUARIUM (continued) 
the type of circulation that Cambridge Seven used in the New 
England Aquarium ). 
Chermayeff, the chief designer for the New England Aquarium 
and also the Baltimore Aquarium, wanted to introduce some fresh 
thinking into the museum world, and the zoo and aquarium world, 
by combining the educational aspects of exhibits and programs 
with that of live, active dynamic animals. He wanted to build 
exhibits where people could really get close to unique ocean 
envi ronments. 
The Baltimore Aquarium also attempts to present a balanced 
view of environmental preservation. It tries not to be 
exaggerated or extreme in its point of view, on economic 
interest, or disappoint those people who are very concerned with 
increasing the public awareness of the fragility of natural 
systems. The aquarium advertises recreation: however, it is the 
education the visitors leave with that they feel is important. 
The aquarium also has a future goal to incorporate research into 
its program. 
The aquarium "reaches out to the sea" with a thrusting glass 
pyramid. The large pyramid shelters a tropical rainforest and is 
repeated as a canopy over the entrance. Both are echoed by a 
bright orange pipe sculpture located next to the small pyramid. 
The two pyramids sit atop the buildings concrete base; on the 
western facade the area underneath them is smooth plywood-formed 
concrete painted a deep blue to articulate the glass forms and 
give them a base. To create a festive image the blue panels are 
decorated with brightly colored squares resembling signal flags. 
While this western facade reflects the "recreational" image of 
the harbor the eastern facade is more^somber in its unadorned 
concrete with minimal fenestration.19 
Freeman, A. "National Aquarium: Baltimores Inner Harbor". 
Gaskie, M.F. "National Aquarium in Baltimore: Cambridge 
Seven Associates". Greer, N.K. "Another Powerfull 
Harborside Attraction: The Cambridge Seven National 
Aquarium in Baltimore". "Citation: Architecture Design 
[Baltimore Aquarium]". 

CASE STUDY 3 
THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM 
Waterfront on Monterey Bay in Monterey, 
California. Previous site of Hovden 
Canne ry. 
Movement random and unobstructed. 
Focuses specifically on diverse marine 
habitats found in Monterey Bay itself, 
and doesn't just exhibit them it wants 
to you experience them. 
SQUARE FEET: 
PEOPLE / DAY: 
ARCHITECT: 
SITING / LOCATION: 
FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION: 
RATIONAL / PHILOSOPHY: 
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on the waterfront of 
Monterey Bay in California, situated on the former site of the 
Hovden Cannery. Monterey is also the setting for John Steinbecks 
novel Cannery Row. Stanford Universities Hopkins Marine Station , 
an educational and research facility, is also located nearby. 
The organization of the interior displays is random and 
unobstructed. A tightly ordered circulation sequence was not 
desired by the client or the architect. The Aquarium contains two 
CASE STUDY 3 
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM (continued) 
classrooms and an auditorium. Teaching materials and instructors 
are provided for visiting classes. Elsewhere education is less 
formal but no less effective. Life size imitation whales, 
dolphins, sea lions and seals are displayed in the Marine Mammal 
Gallery. Graphic displays and video programs explain why the bay 
is such a haven for such creatures. 
The main concept behind the Aquarium was to provide an 
environment in which the visitor could experience as well as look 
at the marine animals of Monterey Bay. It blends education with 
entertainment, of which the hands on pools are a good example of 
this. The theme of the Aquarium is to promote public knowledge of 
the dynamic and fragile marine world. 
The original plan was to recycle the original Hovden Cannery 
building which was owned and being used as a warehouse by 
Hopkins. After an initial investigation it was determined that 
the building was in too poor of condition to use. The decision 
was to tear down the old building and replace it with one as much 
like it in appearance as possible. The factory loft-like spaces 
easily accommodate the huge fish tanks, laboratories, classrooms, 
dining facilities, technical backup spaces and vast mechanical 
equipment areas that the aquarium requires. The open, airy three 
story building followed the footprint of the old cannery and 
recalled its massing, proportions, roof pitches, building 
materials and 
structure in order to achieve the characteristics of the bay 
area.20 
20 Ellis, J. " Cannery Show". Knight, C. "Purposefull chaos 
on Cannery Row: Monterey Bay Aquarium". Schermtz, M.F. 
"Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California". 
CASE STUDY 3 
THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM 
1. Administration 
2. Tickets/Entry/Side 
3. Gift and Bookstore 
(restrooms) 
4. Auditorium 
5. Sea Otters 
6. Marine and Mammal Hall 
7. Classrooms 2 @ 1200 s.f. 
8. Cafe 
9. Kithchen 
10. Shipping and Receiving 
11. Old Boilerhouse Courthouse 
12. Octopus and Kin 
13. Deep Reefs 
14. Kelp Forest 
15. Sandy Seafloors 
16. Monterey Bay Exhibit 
17. Shale Reefs 
18. Pelagic Reefs 
19. Wharf 
20. Slough 
21. Dunes and Marshes 
22. Bat Rays 
23. Rocky Shores 
24. Hands-on-Pool 
25. Wave Crash 
PROGRAM 
2500 s.f 
3100 s.f 
4900 s.f 
4500 s.f 
3000 s.f 
4800 s.f 
2400 s.f 
3000 s.f 
2200 s.f 
1000 s.f 
2400 s.f 
1750 s.f 
700 s.f. 
2800 s.f 
1200 s.f 
3200 s.f 
700 s.f. 
1400 s.f 
700 s.f. 
1500 s.f 
200 s.f. 
1500 s.f 
CASE STUDY 3 
THE MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM 
PROGRAM (continued) 
26. Tide Pools 
27. Pumphouse 
28. Waterfall 
29. Trout stream 
3 0. Theat re 
31. Greater Tide Pool 
32. Mechanical 
Total area of Tanks 
Total area of Mechanical 
10,000/25,850 = 40 % of wa 
Total Square Feet for Functions 
(exhibits, programs, support) 
Circulation 
Total Square Feet Main Floor 
1200 s.f. 
400 s.f. 
800 s.f. 
1200 s.f. 
1600 s.f. 
4000 s.f. 
10,000 s.f. 
25,850 s.f. 
10,000 s.f. 
s.f. = mechanical square feet 
56,250 s.f. 
57,150 s.f. 
113,400 s.f. 
r "~s  
I  1  
PUMP HOUSE 
i 1  i  i t  t  i  T i  MONTEREY 3AY_  EXHIB IT  
Adapted 'v. ti •J~nu vn(;b* Jim Late 
1. Administration 
2. Tickets 
3. Gift and bookstore 
4. Auditorium 
5. Sea otters 
6. Marine Mammal Hall 
7. Classroom* 
8. Cafe 
9. Kitchen 
10. Shipping and receiring 
11. Old boilerhouse courtyard 
12. Octopus and kin 
IS. Deep reefs 
14. Kelp forest 
15. Sandy seafloors 
Won term Rav exhibit » 
J7. Shale reefs 
IS. Pelagic fishes 
19. Wharf 
20. Slough 
21. Dunes and marshes 
22. Bat rays 
23. Rocky shores 
24- Hands-on pool 
25. Wa (f crash 
26. Tide pools 
27. Pumphouse 
28. Waterfall 
29. Trout stream 
30. Theater 
31. Great tide pool 
PORTOLA CAFE 
HABITAT GALLERIES 
CLASSROOMS 
cut-away aariai par*pactiva 

CASE STUDY 4 
THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM AT OKINAWA 
SITING / LOCATION: 
FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATION: 
RATIONAL / PHILOSOPHY: 
International Ocean Exposition 
1975, Okinawa, Japan. 
Fluid arrangement of space. 
Naturalness of context,not 
superclassification of curators. 
SQUARE FEET: 
PEOPLE / DAY: 
ARCHITECT: Fumihiko Maki 
The National Aquarium at Okinawa was the only permanent 
facility in the National Ocean Exposition of 1975, it occupies a 
narrow north-south site between a rocky shoreline and a steep, 
verdant rise. It is a "path of shade" as Maki describes it, using 
a two level arcade as a sun and wind breaker, thus determining 
t h e  b u i l d i n g s  m a j o r  e x p r e s s i v e  e l e m e n t  a n d  d e f i n i n g  i t s  
professional nature. 
T h e  s p e c t a t o r ' s  a r e a s  i n s i d e ,  s h o w  a c t u a l  b i o l o g i c a l  
grou p i n g s  w i t h i n  s o m e  o f  t h e  w o r l d s  l a r g e s t  f i s h  t a n k s .  L i n i n g  
the tanks, which viewed through expansive panels of frameless 
acrylic are comfortable carpeted lounges, bathed in background 
CASE STUDY 4 
THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM AT OKINAWA (continued) 
music, where visitors can contemplate the spectacle amidst 
subdued colors. These exhibits are a cause of reflection in a 
visual sense, too,as the corridors and lounges with their 
lighting and finishes pick up the effvanescent play of light , 
water, and marine life within the tanks. Visitors are further 
schooled by specific exhibits in the areas around the tanks each 
concentrating on a particular species, set of interacting species 
or patterns of biological and social behavior. The fluid 
arrangement of spectator space avoids the familiar exhibition 
fallacy of people bunching together around repetitive little 
windows in order to get a glimpse of one fish or another taken 
out of its' larger environmental context. What one experiences is 
an immersion in what is real - not an artificial rendition - to 
the extent that the displays have an almost surreal impact on the 
senses. 
The arcades set up a lyrical rhythm, they are composed of 
concrete that expresses the dry jointed juncture of precast, 
three hinged parts. This geometry is followed throughout the main 
aquarium. Outside and to the south of the main building is 
Dolphin Land, which is composed of the Dolphin Theatre 
( Okichan ) and the Dolphin Pool which is protected with a fish 
net canopy that is suspended from a simple bow-shaped arch. 
The general scale of specific detailing of the structure is 
meant to evoke the characteristics of local custom and culture. 
The external wall surfaces are painted amber, similar to many 
Okinawan homes. The rounded tile-covered handrails pickup the 
designs of local lineage. There are fierce lion statues guarding 
either side of the entry in the plaza at the northern end of the 
complex. The bow shaped roof and the play of arches go back to 
the traditional use of such formal themes.21 
i mjj UJJXBU jaj WttMVJI 
21 "National Aquarium at Okinawa", "Aquarium: F. Maki", 
"National Aquarium: International Ocean Exposition, 
Okinawa, 1975", "Aquarium National, Okinawa". 
CASE STUDY 4 
THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM AT OKINAWA 
1. Machinery Room 
2. Trench 
3. Alcove 
4. Main Hall 
5. Terraces 
6. Entrance 
7. Cylindrical Water Tank 
2 @ 800 s.f.= 
8. VIP Lounge 
9. VIP Anteroom 
10. Support 
11. Service Yard 
12. Coral Sea 
13. Current Sea 
14. Machinery Room 
15. Support 
16. Lounge 
17. Offices 
18. Anteroom 
19. Machinery Room 
20. Offices 
21. Spare water storage 
PROGRAM 
10,000 s. 
5,600 s.f 
2,640 s.f 
8,000 s. f 
3,200 s. f 
1,600 s. f 
1,600 s. f 
2,000 s. f 
600 s. f. 
4,000 s. f 
1,600 s. f 
1,500 s. f 
3,500 s. f 
5,400 s. f 
4,800 s. f 
8,800 s. f 
4,800 s. f 
1,500 s. f 
5,400 s. f 
3,000 s. f 
11,200 s. f 
CASE STUDY 4 
THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM AT OKINAWA 
PROGRAM (continued) 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET FOR FUNCTIONS 79,540 s.f. 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET FOR CIRCULATION 107,060 s.f. 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET 186,600 s.f. 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET FOR TANKS 23,400 S.f. 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET FOR MECHANICAL 20,800 s.f. 
20,8 00/23,400 = 88% Mechanical s.f. per Water s.f 
Okichan Hall 15,000 s.f. 
small theatre, and live 
underwater shows. 
Dolphin Pool 25,000 s.f 
pools for performance 
and living, with outdoor 
amphli theatre. 
PROGRAM 
GOALS - WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE AND WHY. 
FUNCTION: 
PEOPLE 
Interaction - public/residents/visitors/workers 
Pedestrian circulation - waterfront continuity, 
improved path system, visual connection 
w / d o w n t o w n ,  p e d e s t r i a n  c o n n e c t i o n  w /  
downt own. 
Activities - 24 hour community activity, visitors 
and residence can take some of the shops 
and restaurants dependency off the lunchtime 
t r a d e .  I n c r e a s i n g  r e c r e a t i o n a l  a n d  
c u l t u r a l  a c t i v i t i e s  t o  d r a w  r e s i d e n t s ,  
visitors and workers. 
Vehicular - improving streets and parking facilities 
for easier accessabi1ity. 
ACTIVITIES 
A q u a r i u m  -  a q u a r i u m :  p r o v i d e -  r e s i d e n t s ,  v i s i t o r s ,  
workers (lunchtime), w/permanent exhibits, 
a research center, special exhibits. 
Shopping/Retai1 - create diverse, interesting and 
active environment. 
Restaurants - provide support services to workers, 
residents, and visitors. 
Waterfront Esplanades - provide visual and physical 
connection w/downtown. 
Ferries/cruise - help support 24 hour community by 
drawing activity. 
RELATIONSHIPS 
Experiences-
Visual importance - waterfront 
w/downtown 
Pedestrian importance - downtown 
w/water-f ront 
Waterfront circulation - pedestrian 
and vehicular 
4. GOALS 
TIME: 
Past -
Respond to waterfront historical aspects. 
The impact of the waterfront on the growth of 
Manhattan, and the significance of it on the 
character of the area. 
Present -
To provide a continuous and inviting waterfront 
experience for the pedestrian that has visual and 
physical connections with the core of lower 
Manhattan. Developing the area from Battery Park 
to the north side of the Brooklyn Bridge. 
To allow for the continuity of the city by 
relating to the massing, the waterfront, and the 
visual and physical corridors of the area. 
Future -
Create an inviting environment for retail, 
pedestrian, workers, visitors, and residents 
to stimulate the growth while retaining the 
New York waterfront "experience". 
To provide an attraction to lower Manhattan that 
w o u l d  a d d  t o  t h e  c u l t u r a l ,  r e c r e a t i o n a l  a n d  t h e  
variety of the city. 
f 
2. GOALS 
FORM: 
Site -
To provide access to waterfront. 
T o  r e s p o n d  t o  w a t e r f r o n t  a r c h i t e c t u r e  a n d  
massing. 
O p e n  a r e a s :  T o  c r e a t e  v i s u a l  a n d  p h y s i c a l  
c o n n e c t i o n  w / d o w n t o w n  c o r e .  T o  p r o v i d e  
recreational and leisure areas with an inviting 
atmosphe re. 
Careful land use, through effective design 
controls, land in this area is a very scarce and 
important commodity so it should be exploited for 
the publics benefit. 
Environment -
Efficient land use through multiple objectives. 
Because land is such a scarce commodity, in order 
t o  j u s t i f y  a  d e v e l o p m e n t ,  i t  w i l l  h a v e  t o  
a c c o m m o d a t e  a n d  s e r v i c e  m a n y  p e o p l e  a n d  
activities. 
Bulk placement sensitively responding to urban 
design considerations, bulk used to define public 
places, frame views and to ensure physical as well 
as visual connections. 
Quality -
Continuity of existing city, streets circulation 
routes, from Manhattan. 
Respecting dominant open spaces and street 
patterns, and selectively relating to height and 
massing of existing buildings. 
To correspondence between the old and the new. 
3. GOALS 
ECONOMY: 
Initial Budget -
T h e  i n i t i a l  b u d g e t  o f  t h e  a q u a r i u m  
development will not have any financial 
limitations placed on it. The need for such a 
cultural, recreational, and research center 
in this area would have more than ample user 
support and provide such a draw for the local 
c o m m u n i t y  a s  w e l l  a s  t h e  c i t y  t h a t  a n  
extravagant budget could be justified. The 
increase in the activity would also help 
a l l e v i a t e  t h e  d e p e n d e n c e  o f  t h e  l o c a l  
merchants on the lunch and regular customers. 
The funding of an extravagant budget could in 
all probability be financed partially through 
t h e  c i t y  a n d  a l s o  t h r o u g h  a f f i l i a t e d  
university and private investors. 
Operating Cost -
The operating cost ideally would be minimal. 
Having the aquarium used as a research center 
would allow student help and in theory the 
aquarium would be self-supporting through the 
revenue generated by the visitors to the 
aquarium. exhibits, shows and museum. 
Life Cycle Cost -
B e c a u s e  o f  t h e  t r e m e n d o u s  i m p a c t  t h e  
development would have on the surrounding 
community and the positive effect on the 
city, determining the life cycle cost of the 
development would not be significant because 
of the numerable unaccounted for aspects 
that the project would create. 
1. FACTS-
FUNCTION: 
People- Residents 
Workers 
Visitors 
(Stats.) 
(Stats.) 
(Stats.) 
User characteristics, (use 
South Street Seaport as reference). 
Pedest r i an 
Vehicular 
Land use 
(Maps) 
(Maps) 
(Maps) 
- Recreation 
- Commercial 
- Retail 
Activities-
Aquarium Case studies: 
-Baltimore 
-Boston 
-Ok inawa 
Increase activity = growth in economy. 
Water sport / activities increase. Ferry 
activity increase, dinner / lunch / tour 
cruises. 
Shopping, attract local residents as 
well as visitors and lunch crowd. 
Night life will provide draw for 
24 hour community. 
Relationships-
Analysis of: 
Waterfront circulation(vehicular 
and pedestrian) 
Waterfront visual connection 
with 
Downtown (analysis map) 
FACTS (continued) 
Relationships-
Analysis of : 
Waterfront pedestrian connection 
with 
Downtown (analysis map) 
Vehicular circulation analysis 
- parking 
- accessibility 
FACTS 
FORM: 
Site Site analysis 
-wind 
-temperature 
-constraints 
-contours 
-views 
-access and egress 
-size and capacity 
Climate analysis 
Zoning- form giving significance 
Environment- Implications 
- Character overview (N.Y.C.) 
- Night life (L.M.) 
- Existing activities (M.) 
- Waterfront Activities (L.M.) 
- New York, New York. 
- Analyze materials of surrounding and local 
areas for possible influence. 
Analyze psychological implications of form on the 
movement of people and vehicles. 
Quali ty-
Contextual considerations 
1. Waterfront 
2. Aquarium 
3. New York 
3. FACTS 
ECONOMY: 
Initial Budget-
Use as design considerations: 
- Time Use Factors 
- Market Analysis 
Operating cost-
Analyze the alternative costs for all energy 
sources. 
Analyze the climate factors, the wear and tear 
level of activities and their implications on 
material choices. 
Life cycle Cost-
4. PACTS 
TIME: 
Past- Waterfront significance, historical 
research. 
Aquariums historical research. 
New York City historical research. 
Present-
Economic impact on the area. 
Social impact on the area. 
Visual impact on the continuity of the city. 
Future-
Continuity of the city. 
1. CONCEPTS - uncover and test. 
Function: 
People- People grouping 
-aquarium determines each area (functions) 
optimum group size from case studies and 
design considerations. 
-open areas determine desired grouping 
and ideal conditions from analysis and 
existing surrounding examples. 
-esplanade design for maximum visual 
and physical connection for the pedestrian, 
with minimum space requirements satisfied. 
-make retail as accessible as possible from 
pedestrian path network for maximum interaction 
and activity. 
-new ferry service should be designed 
with the pedestrian and the vehicle 
arrival taken into consideration and 
adequately provided for. 
-all restaurant and night life establishments 
should incorporate all retail considerations 
and use surrounding in designing for the 
pedestrian. 
Activities-
Prioritize the importance of the activities 
based on social value, continuity with existing 
city, and impact on the community (because of 
the nature of this program the number one priority 
is the aquarium). 
Create efficient and effective relationships 
through the interaction of the different 
activities all enhancing the"waterfront 
experience". 
Security for each part will have to be evaluated 
based on potential loss: maximum, medium, or 
minimum required (this applies to the overall 
development as well as the individual pieces.) 
1. CONCEPTS (continued) 
FUNCTION: 
Activi ties-
Flexibility 
-the aquarium shall incorporate flexible design 
concepts in the visiting and temporary display 
areas, providing a versatile and convertible 
exhibit space. 
-the open spaces shall be flexible in design to 
allow for a wide range of activities (impromptu 
concerts, planned events, street vendors, etc.) 
-The retail space shall be versatile, convertible 
and flexible to provide for a wide variety of 
retail spaces. 
-the esplanade should be designed with some 
flexibility in order to accommodate the street 
activities that occur, (musicians, vendors, etc.) 
-flexibility in the ferry/cruise is important 
for the accommodation of the patrons. 
Sequential Flow 
-in terms of the aquarium this is a very important 
design consideration that should be well 
researched and analyzed in order to design 
an appropriate solution. 
-this concept is of major importance for the 
esplanade design. 
Separated Flow 
-the aquarium shall utilize separated flow in 
isolating the employees and service functions from 
the public and visitor areas. 
CONCEPTS (continued) 
FUNCTIONS: 
Activities 
Mixed Flow 
-the esplanades, and through the retail areas 
is where the mixed flow could be incorporated 
in the design, combining service traffic along 
with the pedestrian. Multi-directional and multi­
purpose traffic should be a design consideration. 
CONCEPTS ( c o n t i n u e d )  
FUNCTION: 
R e l a t i o n s h i p s -
U n d e r s t a n d  t h e  o r g a n i z a t i o n a l  c o n c e p t s  a n d  
t h e  f u n c t i o n a l  r e l a t i o n s h i p s .  
S e p a r a t e  v e h i c u l a r  a n d  p e d e s t r i a n  
t r a f f i c .  
A l l o w  s t r e e t  a c c e s s  f o r  p e d e s t r i a n s  
t o  t h e  r e t a i l  a r e a s .  
A l l o w  p u b l i c  a c c e s s  t o  t h e  w a t e r f r o n t  
w h e n e v e r  p o s s i b l e .  
T h e  m a s s i n g  a n d  b u l k  p l a c i n g  o f  t h e  
d e v e l o p m e n t  s h o u l d  r e s p o n d  t o  t h e  
s u r r o u n d i n g  a r e a .  
T h e  p r o j e c t  s h o u l d  r e s p e c t  t h e  d o m i n a n t  
o p e n  s p a c e s ,  s t r e e t  p a t t e r n s ,  h e i g h t  a n d  
m a s s i n g  o f  e x i s t i n g  b u i l d i n g s ,  a n d  
c i r c u l a t i o n  r o u t e s  a n d  r e s p o n d  
a c c o r d i n g l y .  
2. CONCEPTS 
FORM: 
r 
r 
Site- Reinforce the waterfront accessibility to the 
public. 
i 
Respond to surrounding waterfront architecture, 
massing, and city. 
The orientation of the development should respond 
to the city. 
Environment-
Climate control: 
-the aquarium will definitely require a controlled 
climate. 
-the open spaces will have a percentage of 
protected areas. 
-the retail will have a percentage of protected 
areas (ar cades). 
-the ferry/cruise service will have a controlled 
climate for the comfort of the visitors and 
patrons. 
-evaluate climate analysis and draw implications. 
Quality- Character of the development shall have a 
significant impact on the quality. This includes 
t h e  e s t h e t i c s  a s  w e l l  a s  t h e  c o n t e x t u a l  
appropriateness. 
The accessibility to the pedestrian shall effect 
the quality of the development, and promote a 
sense of entry and arrival. 
The interdependence of the project as a whole as 
well as part of .the city shall effect the quality 
of the development. 
R e l a t e  t h e  p r o j e c t  t o  t h e  q u a l i t y  o f  i t s  
surroundings and to its function. 
CONCEPTS 
ECONOMY: 
Initial Budget-
By having a large initial budget the choice 
of materials can be chosen to maximize the 
life cycle/cost ratio. This would also 
increase the marketability of the project 
since the area is receptive to high quality. 
Operating Cost-
The large initial budget would also cut the 
operating cost down with less maintenance, 
and by using superior quality mechanical 
equipment operating costs would also be 
minimized. 
Life cycle Cost-
B y  d e s i g n i n g  f o r  a d a p t a b i l i t y  t h e  
retail/office spaces would be ensured of a 
minimal life cycle cost and would thus help 
to justify the large initial budget. 
4. CONCEPTS 
TIME: 
Past-
Respond to the "Waterfront Experience": 
-Public access 
-Visual Corridors 
-Continuity of the City 
Present-
Allow pedestrian, visual and physical experience 
of the waterfront. Do not alienate the development 
from the downtown of lower Manhattan invite 
participation and allow penetration. 
Future-
1. NEEDS 
FUNCTION: 
People- Space Requirements 
- Aquarium itemized partially based on case 
studies. 
A. Parking requirements 
B. Outdoor space 
C. Building efficiency 
D. Functional alternatives 
-Retail/Residential use Manhattan Landing program 
as loose outline for space requirements. 
A. 2.5% of total floor area must be retail 
use (banks, airline offices, etc., limited 
to maximum 25% of that area with no 
establishment occupying more than 40% of 
the frontage). 
B. Retail frontage accessible by street, or 
directly through lobby with special 
authorizations available for pedestrian 
access. 
C. Emergency vehicle access to all project 
areas. 
D. Vehicular circulation separate from 
pedestri an. 
E. Parking, loading, and vehicular service 
access to all project areas. No 
residential parking required, may 
provide up to 25% of total number of 
dwelling units. Requirements for CR 
districts adhere to zoning resolution 
proper. 
I 
Activities-
Outdoor space requirements follow Manhattan 
Landing district zoning. 
A. Privately built and maintained. 
B. Visual corridors, spatial continuity with 
core of downtown. 
C. In the esplanade there will be no 
buildings, the visual corridor will run 
along the sides of the esplanade, to 
insure that esplanade does not become 
visually isolated, and use is encouraged. 
D. The minimum width of the esplanade is 
150', 20% coverage is allowed at the 
pedestrian level with 30% coverage allowed 
above ( obstructions may include building 
structure, lobbies, open restaurants and 
community facilities ). 
NEEDS (continued) 
FUNCTION : 
Activities-
O u t d o o r  s p a c e  r e q u i r e m e n t s  f o l l o w  M a n h a t t a n  
Landing district zoning. 
E. Sun and shadow controls on open spaces: 
on March 31, the spring equinox, at least 
65% of the area of any public space shall 
be in sunlight at the following times, 
9am. - 12 noon, 12 noon - 3pm. 
F. All structures built to river must provide 
arcade or loggia. 
G. An arcade or loggia must be provided for 
the entire length of the inner edge of the 
esplanade except at visual corridors. 
Relationships-
Esplanade continuous with a minimum dimension 
(150') with only certain permitted encroachments. 
Visual corridors that require a fixed envelope of 
space in which no development may occur will: 
1. Provide visual continuity between existing city 
and new development. 
2. Establish an armature for new development that 
extends from the core of downtown. 
3. Regain contact with the waterfront. 
Open spaces must function as organizing structures 
to distribute bulk. 
2.5% of total floor area for every development 
must be retail in order to ensure an interesting, 
active, uninterrupted retail shopping area. Retail 
frontage must be on the street or directly through 
a lobby. 
Pedestrian and vehicular circulation must be 
separated. 
1 A. NEEDS 
THE AQUARIUM 
SPACE REQUIREMENTS 
The space requirements 
program for the Monterey Bay 
for the aquarium 
Aquar i um. 
are all 
1. Administration 2500 s. f 
2. Tickets/Entry/Lobby 3000 s. f 
3. Gift and Bookstore 5000 s. f 
4. Auditorium 10,000 s 
5. Class rooms 
3 @ 1200 s.f. = 3600 s. f 
6. Mammals 
Seal Tank 
Pengu ins 
Sea Otters 
Turtles 
5000 
3000 
3000 
3000 
s. 
s. 
s. 
s. 
f 
f 
f 
f 
7. Shark Exhibit and Tank 3000 s. f 
8. Octopus and Kin Tank 2000 s. f 
9. Bat Rays Tank 1000 s. f 
10. Waves 1500 s. f 
11. Sandy Sea Floor 1200 s. f 
12. Cold Water Marine Fish 1200 s. f 
13. River/Ocean Environment 1200 s. f 
14. Temperate Marine 1200 s. f 
15. Rocky Shores 1500 s. f 
16. Tidal Pools 3500 s. f 
17. Deep Reefs 700 s. f 
1 A. NEEDS 
THE AQUARIUM 
SPACE REQUIREMENTS (continued) 
18. Pelagic Reefs 700 s.f 
19. Shale Reefs700 s.f. 700 s.f 
20. Restrooms 600 s.f. 600 s.f 
21. Theatre 3000 s.f 
22. Cafe Indoor/Outdoor 6000 s.f 
23. Kitchen 3000 s.f 
24. Cold Storage 
2 @ 10'x 10'= 200 s.f 
25. Shipping and Receiving 1500 s.f 
26. Storage Misc. 2500 s.f 
Total Square Feet for functions 71200 s.f 
27. Mechanical for Tanks = 
40% of total square footage for tanks 
.4 (38,500) = 15400 s.f 
28. Circulation = 
100% of the square footage for the 
exhibit, visitor, and tank = 71200 s.f 
29. Mechanical for the building = 
10% of square footage = 14240 s.f 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET 172240 s.f 
1 B. NEEDS 
THE CRUISE PIER 
SPACE REQUIREMENTS 
1. Pier Access and Holding Slips N.A. 
2. Loading and Receiving 1000 s.f 
3. Storage (immediate) 1000 s.f 
4. Storage for Boat Accessories 3000 s.f 
5. Lobby/Info./Tickets 500 s.f 
6. Administration 750 s.f 
7. Waiting Area and Exhibits 2500 s.f 
8. Restrooms 400 s.f 
Total Square Feet for Functions 14750 s.f 
Mechanical = 10 % (14750) 1475 s.f 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET 16225 s.f 
1 C. NEEDS 
THE MUSEUM 
SPACE REQUIREMENTS 
The space requirements for the museum are all based on the 
programs for the New England Aquarium and the Baltimore Aquarium. 
The theme for the museum is "The Ocean then, and Now". 
1. 
2 .  
3. 
4. 
5. 
6 .  
7. 
Entrance/Info./Exit 
Admissions 
Administration 
Restrooms 
Lecture Room 
Gift Shop 
Paleozoic-Cenozoic Period 
Fish-
Agnathia Exhibit 
Placoderms (replicas & 
artifacts) 
Sharks, Skates and Rays 
Exhibit and Tank 
Bony Fish, Exhibit and Tank 
Amphibians-
Swimming reptiles, turtles 
snakes and crocodiles 
exhibit and tank 
(7oo s.f., 1000 s.f. ) 
Pleslosaur and Mosasaurs 
Exhibit 
Swimming Birds 
Exhibit and specimens 
Swimming Mammals-
Early Cenozoic whales 
repli cas 
Pinnipeds (seals, sea 
lions, and walruses) 
600 s.f. 
400 s.f. 
1200 s.f. 
600 s.f. 
1500 s.f. 
600 s.f. 
1000 s.f. 
2000 s.f. 
3000 s.f. 
1000 s.f 
1700 s.f. 
500 s.f. 
2000 s.f. 
2000 s.f. 
2000 s.f. 
1 C. NEEDS 
THE MUSEUM 
SPACE REQUIREMENTS ( continued) 
9. (continued) 
Sirenians exhibit 500 s.f 
Rodents 700 s.f 
Semi-aerial flying fish 500 s.f 
10. Fossil Invertabraes 
Corals of Paleozoic 
Corals of Postpaleozoic 
Sponges 
Graptoutes 
Conodonts 
Phylum Brachiopoda 
Phylum Mollusca 2000 s.f 
Class Cephalopod 
Tank and exhibits 
Squids and Octopus 2000 s.f 
Class Pelycypod (clams and 
oysters) 
Echinodermat 
Phylum Arthropoda 
All in Hands-on-Pool 1000 s.f 
Exhibit 500 s.f 
11. Central Exhibit- simulated environment 
w/ replicas and live species 4000 s.f 
Total Square feet for functions 36000 s.f. 
12. Circulation = 33 % of total square footage 
of the exhibits and tanks = 9000 s.f. 
13. Mechanical for tanks = 30 % of the 
total square footage of the tanks = 3600 s.f. 
14. Mechanical for the building = 10 % 
of the total square footage of the 
building = . 4000 s.f. 
TOTAL SQUARE FEET 45,400 s.f. 
r 
2. NEEDS 
FORM : 
S i t e -
S i n c e  a  l a r g e  b u d g e t  f o r  t h e  p r o j e c t  i s  
j u s t i f i a b l e  t h e  q u a l i t y  o f  t h e  c o n s t r u c t i o n  b a s e d  
o n  t h e  c o s t  p e r  s q u a r e  f o o t  s h a l l  n o t  b e  
c o n s i d e r e d  a  l i m i t i n g  f a c t o r .  
r 
E n v i r o n m e n t -
T h e  p h y s i c a l ,  a n d  t h e  p s y c h o l o g i c a l ,  a s  w e l l  a s  
t h e  s i t e  c o n s i d e r a t i o n s  w o u l d  b e  u s e d  a s  
i n f l u e n c e s  o n  d e t e r m i n i n g  t h e  c o n s t r u c t i o n  b u d g e t .  
Q u a l i  t y -
3. NEEDS 
ECONOMY : 
Initial Budget-
T h e  c o s t  e s t i m a t e  s h o u l d  b e  a n a l y z e d  f o r  
comprehensiveness and realism leaving no doubt in 
the client's mind what the total budget required 
will be and would include. 
Operating Cost-
Evaluate the energy budget and the outline on the 
operating cost. 
Life cycle Cost-
Evaluate the report on the life cycle cost. 
4. NEEDS 
TIME : 
P a s  t -
P r e s e n t -
C o n s i d e r  p h a s i n g  t h e  c o n s t r u c t i o n  a s  a n  
a l t e r n a t i v e  i n  t h e  p r o j e c t  i f  t h e  i n i t i a l  a n a l y s i s  
p r o v e s  u n f e a s i b l e .  
F u t u r e -
PROBLEM - State the Problem. 
FUNCTION : 
One of New York city's greatest assets is its extensive 
waterfront. Developing the waterfront between Battery 
Park and the Brooklyn Bridge (excluding the area of the 
South Street Seaport) provides a unique opportunity to 
e x p l o i t  t h i s  a s s e t  f o r  t h e  p u b l i c ' s  e n j o y m e n t .  
Encouraging the private sector's participation in terms 
of retail and offices will help to ensure the success 
o f  t h e  p r o j e c t .  T h e  p r o j e c t  w i l l  f u n c t i o n  a s  a  
connection between the downtown core and the waterfront 
o f  l o w e r  M a n h a t t a n ,  a n d  a l s o  a s  a  l i n k i n g  d e v i c e  f o r  
the waterfront attractions. 
2. PROBLEM 
FORM : 
The visual and physical corridors and the need for 
public accessibility are major factors that the form of 
the development will have to respond to. Other 
considerations that should be addressed in the proposal 
are: the existing dominant open spaces, the existing 
pedestrian and vehicular patterns, and the continuity 
of the city through selectively relating to surrounding 
building heights and bulk placement. 
3. PROBLEM 
ECONOMY : 
A  h i g h  l e v e l  o f  p e r f o r m a n c e  w i l l  b e  r e q u i r e d  o f  t h e  
d e v e l o p m e n t  i n  o r d e r  t o  j u s t i f y  t h e  u s e  o f  s u c h  a  
p r o m i n e n t  a n d  i n f l u e n t i a l  s i t e .  B e c a u s e  o f  t h e  n e e d  t o  
r e s p o n d  t o  s u c h  a  w i d e  v a r i e t y  o f  i s s u e s  a n d  t h e  
o p p o r t u n i t y  t o  h a v e  a  e n o r m o u s  e f f e c t  t h e  i n c o r p o r a t i o n  
o f  b u d g e t  l i m i t a t i o n s  i n  t h e  p r o g r a m  s h o u l d  b e  m i n i m a l ,  
h o w e v e r ,  c o s t  e f f e c t i v e n e s s  s h o u l d  b e  p r a c t i c e d .  
PROBLEM 
TIME : 
The future of New York should be enhanced with this 
project. The project should improve the variety and the 
quality of the attractions to the city while retaining 
the surrounding area's character and integrity. The 
horizons for the future should be expanded while the 
problems of today are responded to. 
PHILOSOPHY 
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FOR MANHATTAN LANDING 
The design of the Manhattan Landing Aquarium was based on 
the concept that in order to educate the public of the delicate 
and fragile world of the seas, so as to ensure the preservation 
of our oceans and their living habitats, we must provide them 
with a learning opportunity that invites them to participate and 
will be an asset to their community. The Aquarium will be an 
active and evolving building. It is this activity and continually 
changing atmosphere that will be the major attraction of the 
Aquarium. The Aquarium will attract visitors of the city, however 
this is not its main function, the Aquariums main focus will be 
the residents and the workers. The Aquarium will provide the area 
with a learning center that offers a fascinating and relaxing 
atmoshere. The Aquarium will be an asset to lower Manhattan 
responding to the existing waterfront while remembering and 
retaining aspects of the historical waterfront. 
The Manhattan Landing Waterfront Park provides a link 
between South Street Seaport and Battery Park. This provides for 
a continuous waterfront "experience". The Park allows for the 
opening up of the waterfront for the publics enjoyment. The Park 
ensures interaction through visual and physical connections, and 
by providing numerous possibilities for participation. The Park 
returns the waterfront to the public for their use and enjoyment. 
The idea of actually constructing the Park is not feasible 
because of economic reasons, however I feel that this a very 
justifiable concept. The waterfront is a limited resource and 
provides all of the city with relief and character, isolating the 
experience of the waterfront for the few that can afford to buy 
it would not be an acceptable resolution. 
DESIGN 
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BIBLIOGRAPHY 
A. Primary Sources 
1. Baiter, Richard. Lower Manhattan Waterfront. Office of 
Lower Manhattan Development, June 1975. 
2. Bridges, William. The New York Aquarium Book of the Water 
World; A Guide to Representative Fishes, Aquatic Invertebrates, 
Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals. New York: American Heritage Press, 
1970 . 
3. City Planning Commission. Plan For New York City. "1. 
C r i t i c a l  I s s u e s .  2 .  M a n h h a t t a n . "  N e w  Y o r k :  C i t y  P l a n n i n g  
Commission, 1969. 
4. Goldman, Ira H. Tribeca Historical Aspects. Office of Lower 
Manhattan Development, June 1974. 
5. Koolhaas, Rem. Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto 
for Manhattan. New York: Oxford University Press, 1978. 
6. Mattison, Christopher. The Care of Reptiles and Amphibians 
in Captivity. Poole, Dorset: Blandford Press, 1982. 
7. Pena, William. Problem Seeking: An Architectural Programming 
Primer. Boston: Cahners Books International, 1977. 
Periodicals 
1. Ellis, J. "Cannery Show." Architectural Review 177:22-7, 
March 1985. 
2. Freeman, A. "National Aquarium: Baltimores Inner Harbor." 
Architecture 74:50-9, June 1985. 
3. Gaskie, M.F. "National Aquarium in Baltimore: Cambridge 
Seven Associates." Architecture Record 170: 83-91, May 1982. 
4. Greer, N.K. "Another Powerful Harborside Attraction: The 
Cambridge Seven National Aquarium in Baltimore." AIA Journal 
71:170-5, Mid May 1987. 
5. Knight, C. "Purposeful Chaos on Cannery Row: Monterey Bay 
Aquarium." Architecture 74:51-9, June 1985. 
6. Schmertz, M.F. "Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey California." 
Architecture Record 173:114-23, February 1985. 
7. "Citation: Architecture Design [Baltimore Aquarium]." 
Progressive Architecture 60:83, January 1979. 
8. "Aquarium National, Okinawa." Architecture d'Aujourdh'hui 
190:120-1, April 1977. 
9. "National Aquarium Okinawa." Architecture Record 160:70-3, 
August 1976. 
10. "Aquarium: F. Maki." Japan Architect 50:47-62, October-
November 1975 . 
11. "National Aquarium: International Ocean Exposition, Okinawa 
1975." Japan Architect 50:51-8, April 1975. 
12. "Bostons Underwater environment: The New England Aquarium: 
Cambridge Seven Associates." Progressive Architecture 50:96-
10, December 1969. 
B .  Secondary Sources 
1. White, Norval. Willensky, Elliot. AIA Guide to New York 
City. New York: Macmillan, 1978. 
2. Boyer, M. Cristine. Manhattan Manners: Architecture and 
Style 1850-1900. New York: Rizzoli, 1985. 
3. Reynolds, Donald M. The Architecture of New York City: 
Histories and Views of Important Structures, Sites, and Symbols. 
New York: Macmillan, 1984. 
4. Silver, Nathan. Lost New York. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 
1967. 
5. Tauranac, John. Elegant New York: The Builders and the 
Buildings, 1885-1915. New York: Abbeville Press, 1985. 
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