National Aquarium of DC

GGA is currently developing the design for the relocation and expansion of the National Aquarium of DC. The Aquarium is currently located in the lower level of the historic national landmark Herbert C. Hoover Building (Department of Commerce) in the Federal Triangle between 14th Street and 15th Street. The current space, occupied since the original building was built in 1932, does not provide adequate space for the aquarium functions or provide for proper exposure to the public. The Aquarium is being relocated to the Constitution Avenue side of the building, also on the lower level, with a new entrance pavilion directly off of Constitution Avenue. The new entrance pavilion will provide for a fully accessible entrance, new security, feature aquatic tank, holding tanks, quarantine area and education facility on two levels below grade. The design recently won approval of the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission.

The new Aquarium design will provide the National Aquarium of DC with a new state of the art aquarium facility to educate and showcase America’s aquatic treasures from sea to shining sea. The approximately 40,000 SF facility will provide over twenty tanks of varying sizes to accommodate the Pacific Islands, Northeast Coast, Inland Waters, Southeast Coast and the West Coast.

The signature tank for the new Aquarium is located both within the new pavilion and the original building and is over 100,000 gallons. This signature tank will house the Hawaiian Islands display and as the largest tank in the aquarium, provides the necessary space for large Hawaiian reef sharks.

The new aquarium will provide the National Aquarium of DC a facility that will help educate and address marine and fresh-water conservation issues making policy makers, funders, conservation groups and others committed to aquatic conservation issues. It will also help educate and inspire middle and high school students and teachers of the Washington, DC area seeking ways to inspire science learners.

The project is being designed using the latest Building Information Modeling (BIM) Technology. Additionally, LEED Certification guidelines are being incorporated into the design, in pursuit of LEED Gold Certification.

Location: Washington, DC
Size:42,500 SF