LMN Architects Unveils Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion

In a collaboration with Thinc Design, LMN Architects has completed the Seattle Aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion expansion, which adds 50,000 square feet of immersive habitats, educational spaces, and essential back-of-house facilities. This new addition is designed with a commitment to interconnectivity and ocean stewardship, emphasizing the relationship between people and marine life both locally and globally. The Ocean Pavilion also enhances access to downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market through the City of Seattle’s new Overlook Walk, linking it to the revitalized waterfront, Elliott Bay, and the broader ocean.

 

The architecture features flowing forms and strategic vistas that draw visitors into the beauty of Puget Sound and the ocean beyond. Large expanses of glass and a striking oculus invite the public to engage with the Aquarium’s interior, allowing glimpses into its impressive Reef habitat, which boasts around 500,000 gallons of water—the largest tropical habitat in the Pacific Northwest.

As visitors enter, they are welcomed into One Ocean Hall, a central gathering space that immerses them in stunning 360-degree imagery of global marine ecosystems. A highlight of this area is the Reef habitat, which cantilevers over the main entrance plaza, showcasing a vibrant coral reef ecosystem with over 120 fish species visible through a grand, curved cathedral window.

 

Throughout the building’s three levels, various exhibits and vignettes reinforce the interconnectedness of ocean and human ecosystems. This theme continues on the public roof garden, where seating areas blend with Indigenous plants and offer sweeping views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains.

The design also invites visitors to explore behind-the-scenes areas and mechanical systems, enriching the traditional aquarium experience with curated views of both the ocean and city.

To honor the Aquarium’s location on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people, the project team engaged closely with Indigenous consultants and urban Native community members. This collaboration shaped the programming, design, cultural framework, and public art for the Pavilion, involving storytelling sessions with tribal elders and workshops with tribal youth.

Sustainability is a foundational principle for the Seattle Aquarium, with the Ocean Pavilion aiming for LEED Gold and ILFI’s Zero Carbon certification. Sustainable practices include the use of recycled materials like carpeting made from discarded fishing nets and plastic bottles, electrification of the building to eliminate fossil fuels, and a reduction of embodied carbon through innovative material choices such as low-carbon concrete. The facility also reduces operational carbon by sharing heat between the building and life support systems, while a semi-closed water system optimizes seawater use from the Sound for interior habitats.