Monterey Bay Marine Exploration Center
The ultimate goal: visitors come in the door with a curiousity about the ocean, and go out as wise ocean stewards.
California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Monterey Bay Marine Exploration Center
Santa Cruz, California
12,400 SF
Client Notes
Create a lively community destination that inspires visitors to come, explore, and learn in the vibrant 'amusement park' atmosphere of the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. Through interactive exhibits, educate visitors about the sanctuary's unique and fascinating coastal and marine environment, foster a more personal connection with the sanctuary and the ocean's relevance in people's daily lives, and encourage stewardship through better understanding of how to responsibly enjoy and protect the ocean.
Designer Notes
The dynamic building design and materials were inspired by California coastal architecture and natural forms, such as wave crests and shells. The transparent and highly interactive interpretive center draws the public into the exhibit and educational spaces, where they experience a unique hands-on introduction to the diverse ecosystem of this federally protected marine area. Sustainable design measures—healthy building materials, energy efficiency, water reduction strategies, and onsite stormwater handling—were also of obvious importance to the client
Certifications
LEED Gold
People
Isaac Adams / Nathan Hamilton / Scott Mooney / Miguel Hidalgo / Amanda Petretti / William Dann / Nicholas Hodges / Alexander Lungershausen
Thomas Hacker, Design Principal
Jane Barker, Project Manager
