 Interior
of the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. The National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium (NMMBA) saw
a planned expansion as a chance to incorporate aquatic life support
systems that would not only be unparalleled in performance, but would
also be significantly more efficient than the building’s existing
systems. With these improved systems, NMMBA could expand ecological
possibilities to provide a more educational and entertaining experience.
Syska Hennessy Group was chosen amongst international competition
to provide such a design for this new aquarium project in Taiwan.
This project is Phase III of an existing facility which up until
now had been designed for open systems only. Phase III is changing
the direction of the aquarium to encompass new design of a closed
recirculation system that requires minimal quantities of natural
seawater (less than 10% of that required by the existing facility
in Phase 1 and 2). The theme of Phase III is primarily cold water
marine displays for the near arctic and near Antarctic biomes, requiring
water temperatures between 4 and 15 Celsius, which would have been
impossible to achieve with an open system.
Syska was chosen to be part of the team for this project based
on our experience and track record for designing closed systems,
including cold water exhibits in a tropical environment.
The inclusion of a Kelp exhibit is an outstanding example of a
special-needs tank that will be included with the help of our
new designs. Kelp is rarely exhibited in aquariums, and requires
careful treatment and specific water quality parameters in order
to thrive.
In addition to a closed system approach, NMMBA recognized the vital
importance of improving access to seawater. Syska is redesigning
the current seawater intake system to upgrade its performance, delivery
and reliability.
Syska Hennessy Group will also provide life support for sea water
and freshwater exhibitions, husbandry tanks, backwash reservoirs,
central low pressure air systems, water, air and ozone gas distribution
systems, insulation, monitoring and control of systems, and air
handling and conditioning for arctic displays.
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