Alexandria aquarium

Project idea

The Coastal Aquarium of Alexandria is designed as an immersive architectural landmark that reconnects people with the Mediterranean Sea through education, research, and experience. Inspired by the movement of ocean waves, the project transforms the traditional aquarium into a journey that gradually descends beneath the water, allowing visitors to explore marine ecosystems while promoting environmental awareness, conservation, and scientific discovery.

Project description

The project is a multifunctional marine education and research center centered around a 16-meter-high open-air aquarium that connects all levels of the building. It includes permanent and interactive exhibition spaces, underwater viewing galleries, children’s learning areas, a diving center, educational cinema, research laboratories, public amenities, and technical support facilities. The visitor experience follows a continuous descending path that recreates the transition from the coastline to the depths of the Mediterranean Sea while integrating architecture, landscape, and marine life into one cohesive experience.

Technical information

The project uses a hybrid structural system combining reinforced concrete construction with steel I-beam frames. Reinforced concrete forms the main cores, foundations, retaining elements, and primary load-bearing structure, while steel framing supports the large spans and curved architectural shell. Three-dimensional space frames are introduced where required to achieve complex geometries, cantilevers, and column-free spaces. Marine-grade materials, protective coatings, and specialized waterproofing systems are used to ensure durability within the coastal environment.

Documentation

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