3.

2 FOREIGN CASE STUDIES

3.2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes four case studies that were relevant to the project “SEA-

NEXUS: Marine Complex”. Case studies were chosen according to the international

recognition, tourism, educational and research importance, architectural design

significance.

3.2.2 CASE STUDIES

1. Barcelona Biomedical Research Park - Barcelona, Spain.

2. Sidra Biomedical Research Center- Doha, Qatar.

3. Resort World Sentosa: SEA Aquarium- Singapore

4. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium- Pingtung, Taiwan

3.2.2.1 BARCELONA BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH PARK- BARCELONA, SPAIN

ARCHITECT

The building project is designed by a team of two architects: Manel Brullet and

Albert de Pineda, to create a building that adopts the specific objectives of Barcelona

Biomedical Research Park

PROGRAMS

The project contains many research departments concerning Biomedical research

medical laboratories, and experimental and health science to serve the connected

hospital- Hospital Del Mar which is a major part of the park.

DESIGN REVIEW

It was established by the Government of Catalonia (Spain), the University of

Barcelona and the Barcelona Science Park. The building is located at a 9,000 m2 site at

Barcelona's seafront by the beach, between Hospital del Mar (with a connection to it) to

the west, and Arts hotel in the Olympic Village in the eastern side.

It is a 117 x 74 meters building of 9 floors above and 3 floors underground with an

elliptical shape and a high level of functional poly-valence. Facade covered in red cedar

controlling the incidence of light and sun, as well as lightening the structure.

The building is equipped with a computing infrastructure and advanced

information technology facilities, has common and relational spaces, a modern

auditorium and advanced animal facilities from a technological viewpoint.

CASE STUDY’S CONCLUSION

This project was studied because of its unique modern design. Its elliptical shape

is a challenging design but it has been done successfully. It was inspiring how all sides of

the building are allocated toward the seas which have made the interiors naturally

lightened, and provided an inspiring environment for researchers and scientists. The

exterior wooden louvers have given it a special image to the building yet, have blocked

intensive sun light and allowed diffused one.

This case study relates to the proposed project with its large scale site, sea views,

facilities, and functions. Throughout this case study the proponenr learned to add to the

proposed project’s program recreational facilities such as indoor gymnasium halls,

outdoor basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, football yards, and swimming pools

integrated with interesting landscape.

This will be very beneficial since the site will be partially away from the city and

therefore combine all requirements and needs for scientists’ and residents. Locating the

laboratories on the borders of the buildings to allow natural light as well as to create the

perfect inspiring environment is very important to consider in the design of the proposed

project.
3.2.2.2 SIDRA RESEARCH CENTER - DOHA, QATAR

ARCHITECT

The Sidra Research Center is designed by Pelli from Pelli and Ellerbe Becket. Both

firms have created research facilities around the world. The architecture combines

cutting-edge technology with an incandescent design that both reflects and celebrates the

sky.

PROGRAMS

The complex initiative to be launched by Qatar Foundation; Sidra will not only

enhance the quality of research facility in Qatar, but also help build the country’s

scientific expertise and resources.

ZONING AND SPACE DIVISION

Sidra will be part of a the Education City campus which will also include

residential accommodations for about 300 medical researcher, a car park and a

pedestrian walkway to Weill Cornell Medical College.

Construction of the research center is scheduled in early 2008, with the opening

anticipated in late 2010.

The building is composed of offices and laboratories are located along the borders

of the building, allowing natural light and views to the scientists.

DESIGN REVIEW

A modern structure of steel,

glass and white ceramic tile, Sidra is

designed to be a center for holistic

research environments. The building

also incorporates water features in the

lobby and drop-off areas and a

comprehensive art collection.

The towering atriums divide the sweeping facility into sections and emphasize the

dedicated entrances of the three research sections within one. Connected by an enclosed

walkway, the biomedical research center will be situated in the building to the west of

the main building.

The historic house that currently exists on the property will be preserved and

incorporated into the Sidra campus between the two high tech clinic buildings,

symbolizing the importance of both tradition and progress.

CASE STUDY’S CONCLUSION

This special case study was chosen because of its design concept which reflects the

name “Sidra” is an important tree in the Arab world- Each atrium has its own identity

and at the same time presents a different research facilities. The exterior façade of glass

and steel gives transparency. It is recommended to give a distinct character and identity

through exclusive design.

This case study relates to the proposed project because of its connection to the

educational city. One of the site criteria’s that is taken into consideration is to relate the

project near to an educational zone such as important academic institutions. This will

increase the benefit of previous knowledge as well as sharing latest discoveries, support

them with certain programs and courses.

3.2.2.3 RESORT WORLD SENTOSA: SEA AQUARIUM – SINGAPORE

ARCHITECT

The resort development was designed by Michael Graves & Associates. Resort World

Sentosa, contracted the Sunshine Coast’s Aquatic Environment Systems Pty Ltd (AES)

with Crossley Architects Pty Ltd to provide aquarium specialist design and

documentation services. These services included collaboration with the project architects

for master planning of the overall facility through to design of the life support and pool

systems, providing architectural and exhibit design, acrylic panel and tunnel design,

underwater rockwork and scenery and specialist aquarium waterproofing.

PROGRAMS

The S.E.A Aquarium used to be the world's largest aquarium, now overtaken by

Chime-Long Ocean Kingdom in Hengqin, China which was designed by PGAV

Destinations.

The S.E.A Aquarium houses the world's largest collection of manta rays, including

the only giant oceanic manta ray in captivity. It also showcases 24 Indo-Pacific bottlenose

dolphins, scalloped hammerhead sharks, the Japanese spider crab, and relatively

uncommonly-exhibited species such as the guitarfish and the chambered nautilus. The

S.E.A. Aquarium is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, across

into 49 different habitats.

Attractions found in the S.E.A. Aquarium:

Strait of Karimata & Java Sea - This comprises of marine fishes such as Pompano,

Threadfin trevally, Batfish, Napoleon wrasse housed in a shipwreck that sinks beneath a

simulated Strait of Karimata on the lower-eastern side of Sumatra.

Strait of Malacca & Andaman Sea – It features sea creatures such as leopard and blue

flasher wrasses. The Discovery Touch Pool houses sea stars and sea cucumbers.

Bay of Bengal & Laccadive Sea - Includes endangered plants and animals along the coast

of the Bay of Bengal, as well as garden eels, clown fish and reef lobsters.

Ocean Journey – This allows face-to-face interaction with the indo-pacific bottlenose

dolphins. It is also home to the giant spider crab and many different species of jellyfish.

Open Ocean - The open ocean is a big home catered to gentle giants such as the leopard

sharks and manta rays.

Persian Gulf & Arabian Sea - Consists of a variety of marine life belonging to the Persian

Gulf and Arabian Sea, including the blue-spotted stingrays, eight-armed seastar and sally

lightfoot crab. Includes the Soft Coral Garden inhabited by reef fish.

Red Sea - Home to corals and many warm water fishes, like the fairy basslet, orange

striped tigerfish and long-horned cowfish.

East Africa - Simulates two freshwater lake habitats of Africa, Lake Victoria and Lake

Tanganyika, which feature sea creatures like the frontosa and african tigerfish.

South China Sea - Comprises lionfish, an array of lobsters, squirrelfish and soldierfish.

Specially featuring the Moral Eel Habitat.

Shark Seas - Consists of various shark species, including endangered species such as the

silvertip shark and the sandbar shark - one of the largest coastal sharks in the world.
SPACE DISTRIBUTION

Marine Life Park is a part of Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa, situated in

southern Singapore. The 8-hectare (20-acre) park houses two attractions, the S.E.A

Aquarium and the Adventure Cove Waterpark, and features the largest oceanarium in

the world. The S.E.A Aquarium is only a part of Marine Life Park and is basically a huge

aquarium filled with over 100,000 marine animals inside.

DESIGN REVIEW

S.E.A Aquarium contains a total of 45,000,000 litres of water for more than 100,000

marine animals of over 800 species. The aquarium comprises 10 zones with 49 habitats.

The centerpiece of the Aquarium is the Open Ocean tank with more than 18,000,000 l and

50,000 animals. Until 2014, it had the world's largest viewing panel, 36-metre (118 ft) wide

and 8.3-metre (27 ft) tall, which is intended to give visitors the feeling of being on the

ocean floor.

CASE STUDY’S CONCLUSION

The Marine Life Conservation Initiatives was established by Resorts World

Sentosa (RWS) to primarily preserve marine, coastal and freshwater biodiversity and

ecosystems. It also hopes to nurture the next generation of marine biologists,

conservationists and researchers through encouraging and supporting research,

conservation and public outreach efforts by children and youths through their schools,

organizations or clubs. For some, the massive viewing panels of the S.E.A Aquarium is

like a window to the sea. According to the group, their aim is to educate, inspire and

empower people to become catalysts of positive change for marine and nature

conservation.

For habitat protection, efforts include ecological, biodiversity and population

assessments; habitat protection and restoration; studying and mitigating the effects of

human, environmental and climate change impacts. Conservation education,

programmes that include issues about marine biodiversity, shark fins, unsustainable

fishing, alternative seafood choices, mitigating man-made impacts on ecosystems,

climate change effects on marine ecosystems and human coastal communities as well as

sustainable green living.

3.2.2.4 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MARINE BIOLOGY AND AQUARIUM – PINGUNG,

TAIWAN

ARCHITECT

National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium was designed by EHDD

Architecture, owned by Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis and a United States-based

architecture, interiors, planning and urban design firm. The museum was designed by

American architect Michael Graves. EHDD, ranked among the top 20 architecture firms

in the San Francisco Bay Area where it is headquartered, is known especially for its

sensitivity to place, technical innovation, and sustainable design.

PROGRAMS

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) is an

aquarium located on the southern coast of Taiwan near Kenting in Checheng Township,

Pingtung County, Taiwan. In addition to the museum, which was planned in 1991 the

park surrounding the museum is an outdoor water park. There are sizable aquariums

with 3 main aquatic exhibits, a large underwater tunnel & a theater for 3-D movies.
SPACE DISTRIBUTION

The NMMBA is located in Checheng of Pingtung County, facing the Taiwan strait

in the west and standing beside the Tortoise Mt. in the east. The whole area of the district

is 96.81 hectares, the construction of the museum division alone occupies 35.81 hectares,

whereas the surrounding grasslands and public facility divisions (like the parking lot,

tourist information service) occupy more than 60 hectares. The building allocation can be

divided into: the museum (the three theme exhibit halls of Waters of Taiwan, Coral

Kingdom Pavilion and Waters of the World and administration and teaching centers),

several major building divisions like the husbandry center, public facilities, research

building, maintenance facilities, international conference center and academic research

center.
 The museum has three main exhibits: Waters of Taiwan, Coral Kingdom Pavilion

and World Waters Pavilion. The building also has several major divisions including the

experiment center for aquatic life, public facilities, research facilities, maintenance

facilities, an international conference center, and an academic research center. The

museum also has an 81-meter underwater moving track, the largest underwater tunnel

in Asia.

The exhibition areas are the Waters of Taiwan, Coral Kingdom Pavilion, and

Waters of the World. The Waters of Taiwan is an aquarium replicated from the distinctive

water resources around Taiwan. From high mountain streams, rivers, reservoirs,

intertidal zones, southern Taiwan and oceans are displayed. Where the largest in 4 meters

tall and 16 meters long observing window on the ocean of Eastern Taiwan is in this area.

The Coral Kingdom Pavilion focus on exhibiting the coral reef species from

shallow shore to deep sea, where guests may enjoy the beautiful reef without having to

get wet. The 84 meters long under water tunnel is the most popular facility in the

museum, where admiring the underwater world only a glass away. Artificial bred coral

reefs are also exhibited in this area.

The Waters of the World is a 3D virtual reality water free aquarium. The

underwater habitat is simulated with machines in different themes. From Ancient Time

Ocean, Underwater Forest, Arctic Waters and Deep Oceans, all presented electronically

guiding guest to explore the waters around the world.

DESIGN REVIEW

The NMMBA is located in Checheng of Pingtung County, facing the Taiwan strait

in the west and standing beside the Tortoise Mt. in the east. Locating among the mountain

and river, the overall scheming concept of the museum focuses on presenting the spirit

and characteristic of water. It is developed with low building density, buildings with

different functions are dispersed and connected with footpaths to maintain the

harmonious relation with the original natural environment.

Taking the meaning of mountain and river as the design concept, the language of

modeling landscape is blended naturally into the ecological park of intertidals with the

wavelike slopping roof.

 In the lobby with 21 meters high up, one may see vivid models like dolphin,

octopus, whale shark and killer whale hanging on the roof. High waterfall and delicate

bronze statues are also seen there, big pieces of tent glass walls are designed both in the

front and back of the lobby for tourists to appreciate the beauty of morning and sunset, it

is a space displayed with both the scientific sense and art value.

The egg like sculptures are based on marbles with black mirror surfaces, carved

with glass and combined with luminescent Acropora muricata, which symbolize the

marine environment of Taiwan gleaming and heating with the poise of newborn life.

CASE STUDY’S CONCLUSION

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium is situated near the sea.

Taiwan, being an island surrounded by water is rich in water resources and developed a

diversity of distinctive cultures. The museum is dedicated in preserving such gift. The

aim of establishing such museum, apart from biological education, commerce, culture,

and recreation, is the respect for the environment.