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OCEAN PAVILION

Read the online story published August 29, 2024, in The Seattle Times.

The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion aims to be a model for future sustainable and carbon-neutral public spaces. Compared to similar aquariums, architects say the building’s innovative design is estimated to reduce day-to-day energy use by 70% and carbon emissions by 95%. The building is 100% fossil fuel–free, instead relying on electrical energy and heat exchange within the building’s water and air circulation systems. Construction on the Ocean Pavilion began in late 2020, and opened to the public in August 2024. The rooftop opened later in the fall, and connects the waterfront to Pike Place Market. The Seattle Aquarium hopes to become the world’s first “regenerative aquarium” by 2030.

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Sources: Seattle Aquarium, LMN Architects, Thinc Design, Seattle Times reporting

Process

For this story, I had the unique opportunity to accompany the reporter and aquarium staff on a tour of the facility before it opened to the public. Later, I returned with the head of aquarium operations to view the back-room life-support systems and heat exchangers. I drew the exploded diagram of the building and overhead walk in Adobe Illustrator. It is based partially on architect renderings (with permission), with many changes made to reflect in-person observations, updates to construction and feedback from aquarium staff.

In the labeling, I emphasized what makes the Ocean Pavilion sustainable, regenerative, and state-of-the-art. I also highlighted indigenous contributions—from Dan Friday’s welcoming art at the entrance, to the yellow cedar siding resembling longhouses, to native plantings on the green roof.

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