Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Churaumi Aquarium is located on the mountainside behind the old aquarium, built along the slope to avoid obstructing the view of the sea. To harmonize with the park’s landscape and minimize the perceived volume, the roof is segmented and the eaves are kept low. Deep eaves and staggered walls create shadows and add expression to the building. Additionally, considering the subtropical climate of Okinawa, a well-ventilated, semi-outdoor pergola space was created above the entrance plaza to provide shade from the hot sun and shelter from the rain. In the Kuroshio sea tank, the facility called for capabilities to breed and display some of the largest fish species, such as whale sharks and manta rays, which required one of the world’s largest tanks, with a depth of 10 meters and a volume of 7,500 tons. To enhance the viewing experience for visitors, a large acrylic panel measuring 21.5 meters in width, 8.2 meters in height, and 60 centimeters in thickness was installed to create a sense of immersion. Moreover, various features were incorporated to allow visitors to observe the tank from different perspectives, such as an aqua room for underwater observation and using the tank’s acrylic as a theater screen. The design placed emphasis on providing a space where visitors can view the tank from multiple angles and states.