foster + partners unveils marine life institute in saudi arabia

foster + partners’ marine life institute draws on forms of coral

Foster + Partners reveals a first look at the new state-of-the-art marine life institute designed for luxury tourism development destination The Red Sea Project. The world’s first fully immersive experiential marine center located along the coastline of Saudi Arabia will function as both a scientific research hub and a tourist destination, with 10 zones hosting various multidimensional experiences bridging educational exhibitions with adventure-filled excursions. ‘Guests will be able to walk underwater, snorkel with rare species, participate in lab tours and dive the depths of the Red Sea in a submarine,’ comments the team at The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC). Further, drawing on rich marine ecologies, Foster + Partners’ facade takes shape as a cluster of glass-reinforced concrete modules supported by a steel frame arranged in an intricate and dynamic layout to emulate rich coral formations.

the world’s first fully immersive experiential marine center in Saudi Arabia | all images courtesy of TRSDC

a first-of-its-kind immersive and experiential facility

Award winning architectural practice Foster + Partners works alongside Saudi’s TRSDC to realize this first-of-its-kind facility. Situated within the luxury Triple Bay Marina at AMAALA on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, the center will comprise three levels above and below ground and underwater. Blurring the boundaries between the institute and the ocean, it will offer picturesque panoramic views of the sea and marina and present vibrant, immersive marine experiences within.

Exhibition displays integrated with the architecture guide visitors on a journey through the Red Sea, exploring its shallow mangroves, sandy beaches and native species, culminating with the awe-inspiring ‘big reveal’ — one of the world’s largest man-made reefs, situated at the heart of the space. Further, suspended semi-spherical tanks containing colorful local marine wildlife as part of an enriched coral exhibit greet visitors as they pass through the entrance and approach a central canopy that spans all four building clusters.

the facility will host experiences that bridge educational exhibitions with adventure-filled excursions

driving global green and blue initiatives

Drawing on the Red Sea’s thriving coral formations, Foster + Partners’ design utilizes robust glass-reinforced concrete panels intricately molded into facade modules to echo the patterns and textures of coral reef. The panels are supported by a lightweight structural steel frame with a large central canopy that shades the central plaza and offers expansive views of the waterfront.

In an effort to support the companies’ joint green and blue ambitions, over 40 percent of the site will be covered by native plants, and a runoff water collection system to prevent erosion and pollution while reducing mains water use will be put into place. A sustainable lighting design system will also be present throughout the Marine Life Institute, part of an innovative framework to protect the nocturnal environment and prevent general light pollution.

a cluster of glass-reinforced concrete modules emerge to echo coral formations