Lissoni Architettura Conceptualizes a Submerged Aquarium in the East River

May 11, 2016

By now we all know about the urban design fad of floating things in NYC’s rivers (Pier55, +Pool, this island), but here’s a concept for an under-water public space off Long Island City. Untapped took a look at this proposal for a submerged aquarium from Milan-based architecture firm Lissoni Architettura. Titled NYCAquatrium, it will likely never get built since it’s just the winning entry in Arch Out Loud’s ideas competition for a New York City aquarium and public waterfront, but it’s certainly an innovative project.

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

The structure would require dredging to create a new basin (a technical issue that probably wouldn’t sit well with the Army Corps of Engineers) aligned with the city grid. It would be accessed via a peripheral pathway that connects to the Long Island City waterfront.

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

A lower level would contain the actual aquarium, while the higher level would be a floating green island. At night, the island would slide to cover the island and turn into a planetarium, its movement resembling that of a shell.

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

Lissoni Architettura, NYCAquatrium, submerged aquarium, NYC aquarium

A sloping beachfront would cover the parking area, and a public park would connect the mainland with the new basin.

You can view the full proposal here, and see all the finalists here.

[Via Untapped]

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Images via Lissoni Architettura

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