NAUSICAÁ Nord Extension, Boulogne-sur-Mer

Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Europe

Completed · Cultural · Marine Biomimicry Aquarium Extension · Temperate · 2018

A 10,000m² extension to Europe's largest aquarium, whose structural and cladding geometry is derived directly from marine organism morphologies — ray wing, coral reef, whale skeleton — tested through parametric modelling and physical prototyping. The building's ETFE facade panels are individually patterned to replicate bioluminescent light behaviour.

Innovation highlights

• structural geometry derived from biomimicry of ray, whale and coral morphologies
• parametric modelling of organic structural forms for fabrication
• ETFE cushion facade with printed patterns replicating bioluminescence at night
• seawater heat exchange system for building conditioning and tank temperature management
• tidal simulation tank engineering integrated into structural floor design

Client / Developer

NAUSICAÁ (Centre National de la Mer)

Architect

Jacques Rougerie Architecture

Engineer

Setec Bâtiment

Type

Marine Biomimicry Aquarium Extension

#biomimicry #ETFE #parametric #marine #seawater heat exchange #facade

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