Aquatic Sanctuary is a design for an aquarium was a competition entry in response to an Arch Out Loud design competition. Our submission did not win. But I thought it turned out alright!

Long Island City. Queens. New York.

This is the intersection of aquarium with sanctuary. This is a fusion of bath and aquarium. It is the conjunction of the natural (plants [flora], animals [fauna], water, etc.) and the not-so-natural. Here, aquarium experience transcends the unfortunate separation made by ubiquitous glass tanks; humans and marine life comingle.

A typical aquarium displays exotic marine creatures in a tank behind glass which constructs a disconnected experience, keeping human separate from animal. However, we are animals and an integral part of the ecology of this earth. Our project seeks to create a unique integral experience where visitors of the aquarium immerse themselves among the displayed marine life to satisfy an intrinsic desire to be connected with aquatic ecology. In doing so, not only are we reminded of how interconnected and dependent we are to this ecosystem, but how our lives and wellness are improved and are enriched by this awareness.

Approaching the site, the exterior presence of the structure defines and responds to the urban edge. The aquarium is monumental, as a reminder of how small we, as individuals, are in relation to the ecosystem of which we are inextricably a part of. This space, although vast, is secondary to the experience — one of reconnection, respite, rejuvenation, and reflection. The architecture evokes a tranquil, harmonic consciousness by providing a space for users to not only be near water, but to partake in swimming, floating, bathing, and marveling.

The “Inner Sanctum,” provides stillness which allows for quiet contemplation. The space orients inward on itself as it blocks out the hectic life of the city surrounding it. Here, one can detach from his or her manmade metropolis and submerge oneself into a refreshing pool among sustainable, floating ecosystems — featuring a symbiosis of aquatic plants, fish, insects, and avian life. One’s senses are reconnected to the therapeutic quality of water: cleansing, calming and reassuring.

In contrast, as one works their way toward the East River the structure begins to dissolve revealing the “Outer Sanctum,” a restored wetland habitat which becomes a shore, fading into the East River with the back drop of Manhattan. Here, one understands the conjunction of the natural and the
not-so-natural. A constructed coastline, makes a home for tidal biology, soft infrastructure, and users are encouraged to make their way into the water to experience something a little more turbulent.