Our video series on architecture and environment continues with a look at how the New England Aquarium’s architect made an “aquatic museum.”
“The aquarium is a dark magic box that would have power—theatrical impact, emotional experience,” says Peter Chermayeff, “and that could be immersive or that would surround you and make you feel you were in a world underwater. An aquatic museum.”
The Giant Ocean Tank occupied the building’s center; it was surrounded by a series of concrete columns that acted as a supporting structure. The columns were bound to a spiral ramp, which created a compression ring to hold the massive volume of water. Spaced about five feet apart, towering glass windows formed niches that gave visitors the sensation of having a private viewing space. Illuminated with dim lighting, the Giant Ocean Tank orchestrates an experience of transporting a visitor to a magical world.
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The comments and opinions expressed in this video are those of the speaker alone, and do not represent the views of The Museum of Modern Art, its personnel, or any artist.
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