28 Oct 2020
First look: Coral conservation centre and visitor attraction will secure the living biodiversity of the world's coral species
BY Tom Walker
Designs have been revealed for the world’s first dedicated coral conservation facility, to be located at the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.
Designed by Australian architects Contreras Earl Architecture, in partnership with Arup and Werner Sobek for the Great Barrier Reef Legacy, The Living Coral Biobank aims to secure the long-term future and biodiversity of corals worldwide.
The 6,830sq m multi-function centre will have exhibition areas, an auditorium and classrooms, as well as advanced research and laboratory facilities over four levels.
Visitors will be able to get up close to live specimens in aquarium displays, learn about coral ecosystems through exhibitions and events, and observe coral husbandry experts going about their daily work in a protected wet lab environment.
In addition, the facility will also have a unique 200-person function space.
As well as being a visitor attraction, the facility will nurture and keep alive more than 800 species of the world’s hard corals.
Through its innovative design and engineering, the centre will also aim to establish itself as a world leader in next-generation renewable energy design, creating optimal conditions for coral storage – while minimising energy consumption and solar gain.
According to Dr Dean Miller, Living Coral Biobank project director and MD of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, the new building typology – a ‘living ark’ – will be the only dedicated facility of its kind in the world.
“The Living Coral Biobank is the only project that can secure the living biodiversity of the world’s coral species immediately,” Miller said.
“To ensure this priceless living collection is held in perpetuity for generations to come we need the world’s most advanced facility that also promises to use only renewable energy sources and function with optimum efficiency, while also creating an unforgettable visitor experience – and that’s exactly what this design delivers.”
Architect Rafael Contreras said: “This project brings with it a profound responsibility to consider the impact of architecture and the construction industry on the natural world.
"As one of the world’s major contributors of CO2 emissions and associated climate change, it is essential that the construction industry be encouraged by architects towards carbon neutrality.
"The Living Coral Biobank is an opportunity to set a global benchmark for sustainable outcomes and zero-carbon goals as well as creating a world-leading conservation and education facility.
"The ambition for this project is to create a beacon for environmental awareness – a centre of hope, learning and wonder.”
Richard Vincent, Associate Principal Arup said: “The Living Coral Bio Bank will help create a legacy so that future generations may enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
"This landmark building will offer state-of-the-art facilities, with innovation and sustainability at its heart, creating a resilient development that will benefit research and make a fundamental difference to the survival of one of the natural wonders of the world.”
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