1971 - Seattle, Washington
The Seattle Aquarium has become a prototype for aquaria that strive to educate as well as entertain. Exhibit pathways lead the visitor through a sequence of encounters with the exceptionally rich marine world of the Pacific Northwest. Unique structural and glazing systems were utilized in the exhibit design allowing visitors to be ­“underwater” with sharks, salmon, otters, seals, and octopi. A salt ­water fish ladder - the first of its kind in any public aquarium - winds through the aquarium complex revealing an important stage of the salmon spawning cycle.

Whether viewed from the street or the water, the facility complements and enhances its urban context, while providing educational and recreational access to marine life, Puget Sound and the world’s oceans as a whole. The award-winning structure is approximately 30,000 SF and included the renovation of the heavy timber structure on Pier 59.

Bassetti Architects provided ­complete architectural services in collaboration with KCM, Inc.

Awards
1978 American Institute of Architects Seattle Chapter, Award of Merit

1977 National Consulting Engineer’s Council, Grand Award

1977 State of Washington Consulting Engineers Council, Grand Award