In 2017, Mexico City-based Tatiana Bilbao Estudio was invited to design a building that should resemble an aquarium, provide a new landmark space in the seaport city of Mazatlán, Mexico, and represent the Sea of Cortez (a UNESCO World Heritage Site dubbed the “Aquarium of the World”). The studio designed a truly surreal edifice: a place imagined like a ruin — a building from the past or future — that has been reclaimed by nature. It arises from the understanding that humans do not control nature — instead, we are a part of it and must find ways to reconnect with our environment. With construction completed in 2023, the new building now serves as an educational and research center for the Sea of Cortez.

The Sea of Cortez Research Center (also known as the Gran Acuario Mazatlán) is located in Mazatlán Central Park, the city’s newest and largest urban park. “The building seeks to merge marine and terrestrial elements in its architectural design, deviating from any pre-established typology,” says Tatiana Bilbao Estudio. “This integration is complemented by a program focused on educational and contemplative experiences.” Educational experiences embrace the region’s marine and coastal ecosystems with spaces dedicated to didactic programs, permanent and temporary exhibitions, laboratories, auditoriums, and more. There is also a program dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of marine species.

The architecture covers an area of 17,300 square meters (186,216 square feet). The orthogonal structure comprises a series of pigmented concrete walls that define programmatic functions, facilities, and connection with public spaces. Walls extend irregularly towards the exterior, blending with the landscape and providing structural stability. The aquarium seeks to harmonize with its natural surroundings, the design encouraging nature to reclaim its place and achieve an ecological balance. 

An impressive stairway ascends from street-level to the building’s extensive roof gardens — it is here that visitors begin their journey. From a central access plaza, visitors can explore different exhibition ecosystems. Tatiana Bilbao Estudio designed the aquarium across three levels, including: administrative areas and facilities for the conservation and rehabilitation of marine creatures on the ground floor; the general access plaza, exhibitions, and public services on the first floor; remaining facilities and equipment for marine life support on the second floor.

Technical details

The Sea of Cortez Research Center is 22.55 meters high (74 feet) at its highest point, with approximate dimensions of 96 x 98 meters (315 x 321.5 feet). The building’s intermediate floors are made of 30-centimeter-thick concrete slabs and the ground floor has 50-centimeter-thick slabs — these slabs distribute their load to concrete frames with a foundation formed by circular section concrete piles (a meter in diameter with a depth of 21 meters – 69 feet). 

The building’s walls support the vertical loads transmitted by the floors and resist some of the horizontal forces. “Concrete with added pigment was used for the construction of the Aquarium’s walls, ensuring not only their strength and durability but also providing an attractive aesthetic finish,” says Tatiana Bilbao Estudio. Plywood formwork was used to achieve the shape of the walls. The floor finishes in both exterior and interior areas have concrete surfaces: a washed pigmented concrete in open areas and polished concrete in interior spaces.

The acrylic panels that house the fish tanks were manufactured in Japan by Nippura (a maker of aquariums). The panels were transported in complete sections and assembled on-site.

Sustainability

Tatiana Bilbao Estudio sought LEED Certification for the project. This required implementing a number of measures, including: preserving the soil and surrounding natural habitat; promoting pedestrian areas and bicycle use; improving public health by encouraging physical activity; implementing bioclimatic design strategies that optimize natural resources; fostering biodiversity; reducing water and energy use via efficient systems; minimizing construction and demolition waste with recycling and material reuse; providing a healthy and comfortable indoor environment using appropriate materials and ventilation.