Danish practice 3XN and austrian firm GERNER GERNER PLUS have unveiled the design of an aquarium planned for Vienna’s Schönbrunn Zoo, developed in collaboration with aquarium specialists ATT. Called ‘Poseideon’s realm’, the aquarium is nestled into the landscape. Its grass roof meets the ground as the contorting concrete envelopes the banner of windows, wrapping around the oval-shaped building. The grass roof leads down to a lake, where local fish and fauna frolic to complete the scene.
The proposal was awarded second place in an international competition for the aquarium’s design, with the winner yet to be announced.
The “Poseidon’s Realm” scheme is defined by a spacious green roof landscape embedded in the zoo’s path network. The aquarium covers a total area of 66,000 square meter, divided across four levels, with a large, glazed, wave-shaped entrance enticing visitors to transition between outdoor greenery and a “softly undulating waterworld.”
Inside, you walk through jellyfish tunnels as colorful creatures surround you in the dark blue glow of the aquarium. At the end of the tour you arrive at a coffee shop and outdoor gift shop, full of light, you have returned to the surface. Furthermore, the jellyfish and shark tank rooms are available for events and functions — allowing you to get your underwater groove on.
