SEATTLE, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LMN Architects
announces the firm's engagement to design the new Ocean Pavilion
for the Seattle Aquarium. The approximately 50,000-square-foot
Pavilion will be sited adjacent to the existing Seattle Aquarium,
currently located at Piers 59 and 60.
The new Ocean Pavilion will be a unique facility, integrating a
complex building program into a dynamic urban context and relating
it to the natural ecology of the Puget Sound waterfront. The
Pavilion will frame the new Aquarium Plaza—a major public space at
the northern end of Seattle's
Central Waterfront Development—overlooking Puget Sound and linking
back to the Pike Place Market. Together with the renovation of the
existing Pier 59 by Mithun, the expansion and renovation will
enable the Aquarium to provide an unparalleled education and
research experience.
"LMN Architects brings a rich history and commitment to
community-focused civic projects, combined with a strong design
approach that connects public-focused building programs with the
crafting of urban space and experience. We couldn't be happier to
have them as a partner on this project," said Bob Davidson, CEO of the Seattle Aquarium.
The building will contain a variety of exhibits that highlight
tropical and reef ecosystems. A 350,000 gallon warm-water tank,
featuring multiple viewing points at different levels, will house
sharks and other larger species. Smaller "jewel" tanks and dynamic
exhibits will incorporate new technologies to collectively
communicate the one-world ocean conservation story. An open
gathering and viewing space adjacent to the large tank will provide
flexible space capable of hosting special events for approximately
200 people. Gathering spaces for smaller groups participating in
'hands-on' education activities and interpretation are also
envisioned.
"We are thrilled to be selected for this important project,"
said Mark Reddington, FAIA, Partner
at LMN Architects. "The Seattle Aquarium is a leader in education
and advocacy for the health of the world's oceans. For the
City of Seattle, this project will
create a prominent civic presence for the Aquarium and form the
primary public connection between the new waterfront promenade to
Pike Place Market."
With its mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine
Environment, the Seattle Aquarium has played a significant role
in the cultural and educational life of Seattle since its opening in 1977. The
Aquarium facility is owned by the City of
Seattle and managed by the non-profit Seattle Aquarium
Society. Annual increases in attendance, a growing regional and
international interest in ocean health, and the need to address
aging infrastructure were among the contributing factors leading to
the development of plans to expand and renovate its existing
facilities within the context of the Central Waterfront
Development.
About LMN
Seattle-based LMN Architects specializes in
the planning and design of significant public and private projects,
including cultural venues, education facilities, convention
centers, office buildings, mixed-use developments, transit
stations, and other urban environments that celebrate and enrich
communities. The firm is the recipient of the 2016 American
Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award.
LMNArchitects.com
facebook.com/LMNArchitects
twitter.com/LMNArchitects
instagram.com/LMNArchitects
About the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is
one of Washington State's leading
environmental education and stewardship institutions, and the
region's gathering place for discussion and sharing information
about marine conservation. It maintains a number of research
initiatives in cooperation with federal, state, zoological and
university partners. The Aquarium is accredited by the AZA.
SeattleAquarium.org
facebook.com/Aquarium.Seattle
twitter.com/SeattleAquarium
instagram.com/seattleaquarium
For further information contact
Matt Anderson
Cameron MacAllister Group
(206) 465-8806
anderson@cameronmacallister.com
Tim Kuniholm
The Seattle Aquarium
(206) 386-4345
T.Kuniholm@seattleaquarium.org
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SOURCE LMN Architects