M.Arch Treatise Project | rosabellemederick

The design of an Aquarium in the Seychelles

ABSTRACT

This treatise is focused on the design of an aquarium along the derelict waterfront site in Victoria, located on the eastern coast of Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles. This facility will provide visitors with the unique educational and entertaining experience of the local marine life found around this exquisite destination, as well as a contemporary experience intertwined with the local vernacular cultural setting.

Due to the nature of the site and building type, the research is focused on a number of concepts, including buildings set in 'park conditions', 'public' type buildings, waterfront design and theme park design. The glue which holds these all together is tourism, which constitutes a large portion of the island's economic industry, and currently there is a need for more attractions within the town area to cater for the international tourists, as well as the locals (especially the youths).

The research investigates the typology of marine enclosures with a focus on aquariums as opposed to oceanariums.

It is important to note the differences between these types of marine life enclosures. The former, is considered to be biotype (habitat) and ecotype (genetic variety of race/population within a species) since it houses plants, fish and invertebrates that would live together in a natural habitat. The most common species in such a facility are sharks. However otters, penguins and semi-aquatic animals such as seals and sea turtles, are also popular.

The only main difference between an aquarium and an oceanarium is that the latter also houses a dolphinarium along with the other mentioned marine animals.
The Seychellois culture uses nature as the main reference point for many endeavours. This is displayed in the tasteful local cuisine, souvenirs, traditional building design and aesthetic and most importantly ocean related activities and awareness .

Since the emphasis is on providing a unique Seychelles experience, the particulars of the context relating to the waterfront setting and the importance and of the ocean and marine

life will be analysed, along with the sensitive traditional context.

Since the emphasis is on providing a unique Seychelles experience, the particulars of the context relating to the waterfront setting and the importance and of the ocean and marine life will be analysed, along with the sensitive traditional context.

The approach will address a better understanding of the traditional use and incorporation of nature within a building structure, as well as designing a building within a natural context, by the water’s edge. The local vernacular will be investigated in order to get a sense of materials used, and international marine life enclosures will be analysed for a better understanding of the chosen typology, its servicing and operation.

Research analysis and findings of the chosen site will generate conclusions, which will be incorporated to draw up a vision for the proposed aquarium.