Curvy aquarium for Copenhagen

publication date: Sep 4, 2008

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author/source: David Harris

Inspired by the shoals of fish, 3XNs winning design for the new aquarium in Copenhagen has already earned the nickname of the Whirlpool. Designed around a central hall, the building develops as slightly curved sequence of rooms. The first and longest of the whirlpool’s arms follow the shape of the landscape and the building, moving into the land.

Built on an island, the finished building will appear to be floating in a circular reflection pool. When finished The Blue Planet, as the aquarium is officially called, will convey an other-worldly experience from the outset. Visitors looking up will see the underside of an aquarium pool, with the open sky above.

The Round Room is a nerve centre of the aquarium and the point of departure for the visitors. From there, visitors can which river, lake or ocean to explore. Each exhibition has its own entrance, starting with a buffer zone. The curves that define the sculptural look of the building have been conceived as an organic backdrop to the displays themselves.