Creating a man-made island is a tall order on its own, but designing one that also acts as an artificial reef and fosters marine life is another challenge entirely.
The French-Romanian architectural team of Quentin Perchet, Thomas Yvon, and Zarko Uzlac, has done just that with its award-winning Biodiver[city] project, Inhabitat reports. The design was recently announced as one of the Jacques Rougerie Foundation’s International Architecture Competition laureates.
The proposed island would allow visitors to view the enormous faux-reef and its accompanying marine life from the water’s surface to its depths, functioning as an educational center and marine life reserve. Animals would be free to come and go as they pleased, rather than trapped in captivity.
Visitors would need a boat to reach the island, where, once aboard, they could see three levels of exhibitions and concessions above water. Below the surface, visitors would descend past animals such as whales and dolphins to reach fish, coral, and reef-dwelling microorganisms. The project was designed to give people a chance to see marine life in its natural habitat.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Jun 27, 2019
Foster + Partners unveils design of wooden boathouse for Row New York
The project will sit on the banks of the Harlem River in Sherman Creek Park.
Cultural Facilities | May 17, 2019
Mulva Cultural Center builds upon city's arts legacy
Former ConocoPhillips CEO and wife have donated millions for culture and education.
Cultural Facilities | May 7, 2019
Austin-area Boys & Girls Club opens headquarters with robust local financial support
Facility is expanding its after-school programming.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 25, 2019
The new Olympic House in Switzerland will reflect the international governing body’s values
The building, nestled in a large park, is striving to meet three different sustainability standards.
Libraries | Feb 10, 2019
New library branch in San Diego opens with its community’s learning and working traits in mind
It features larger gathering spaces and more technology than its predecessor.
Libraries | Jan 18, 2019
Chicago’s newest library branch preserves the old and ushers in the new
Its exterior design reflects the neighborhood’s industrial history, while its interior fosters community and shared learning.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 24, 2018
San Antonio approves redevelopment of Alamo Plaza
The San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 in favor of the makeover.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 10, 2018
Moviegoers are looking for an ‘intimate experience’
Comfort and service are keys to attracting repeat customers, says an expert whose firm specializes in cinema design.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 11, 2018
Risorgimento, Buffalo style
Further evidence of the positive impact of the cultural centers on neighborhood development and economic growth can be found in Buffalo, N.Y., where plans for the Italian Cultural Center are moving forward.
Cultural Facilities | Jun 11, 2018
Cultural centers: Community-based venues can be catalysts for downtown renewal
New cultural centers have sparked development in the form of new offices, restaurants, retail, hotels, business incubators, apartments, and arenas.