AquaRio

RIO DE JANEIRO

Expanding the conservation of marine fauna

The project aimed to restructure the visitation dynamics at the Rio de Janeiro Aquarium, with the objective of strengthening its potential as the largest marine aquarium in Brazil and South America, with a focus not only on education and technology but also on education and research.

AquaRio is in the port area of the city, which has been receiving interventions for its revitalization over the past few years. The equipment is relevant in the urban space and the project aims at interventions to expand its relationship with the public space.

The Port Zone of Rio de Janeiro received several works of revitalization between 2001 and 2006, going through profound urban transformations, while it was consolidated in the tourist circuit of the municipality. AquaRio is located close to cultural and relevant equipment such as the Museum of Art of Rio and the Museum of Tomorrow.

To enhance the characteristics of the narrative on all fronts of AquaRio’s activity, a guiding thread is proposed: a theme that permeates the current elements. To transform AquaRio into a cultural and leisure hub, we propose to strengthen the visitor´s experience using the scenography, expography and transformation to create an immersive experience for the visitor.

A theme such as a conductor values the exhibitions and attractions; promotes welcoming spaces that generate a longer stay for the visitor on the site; activates diverse uses; and strengthens the foundations for increasing environmental awareness.

It is proposed to create scenarios and ambience of the spaces, together with an expographic project that involves the visitor. Elements that make up this universe direct paths, transmit information, shape paths and atmospheres – such as sounds, lighting, projections -, group content, characterize the change in themes – floors, textures, curtains, portals, etc.

The project foresees the implantation of these elements to promote improvements in the exhibition circuits and in the areas destined to the public, such as receptive, food area and spaces for interaction with external areas. Games of light and projections, interactive scenography, new furniture, augmented reality applications and small reforms of the internal environment were used as resources.

By diversifying the attractions, AquaRio can become a pole, covering its visitation potential: optional attractions outside the aquarium visitation circuit, space for events and exhibitions, a food area with direct connection to the Boulevard in the Port Zone, bicycle rental, special programming such as theatrical, musical and even sports presentations, such as yoga classes, are some examples of the proposals for the new uses of the place.