A new aquarium in Florida combines immersive visitor experiences with marine science labs

In Sarasota, Fla., the recently completed Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) combines immersive visitor experiences with state-of-the-art marine science laboratories.

Designed for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium by TVS, an Atlanta-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm, the $130 million, 146,000-sf facility plans to welcome 700,000 guests in its first year.

Architecture Reflects Mote’s 70-Year Legacy of Marine Innovation

“We aspired for the architecture to reflect Mote’s 70-year legacy of innovation and engage future generations of marine scientists, ecological stewards, and everyday guests who care about our marine ecosystems,” Rob O’Keefe, Principal at TVS, said in a statement.

The guest experience begins with an escalator or elevator ride directly to the third floor, where immersive open-air habitats for otters and manatees introduce visitors to Florida’s native ecology. Also on the third floor, laboratories provide behind-the-scenes views of scientists conducting live research and virtual reality experiences.

On the second floor, visitors experience Indo-Pacific habitats, home to fish and reef systems, as well as other galleries and interactive exhibits on the ocean environment.

The three-story journey ends on the ground floor, which houses the two-floor Florida’s Gulf Coast habitat, home to local marine species, in addition to multipurpose assembly space, classrooms, laboratories, and community areas.

STEM Classrooms and Workforce Labs Support Marine Science Education

To promote marine science education, three STEM classrooms serve K-12 students from the region, and five workforce training labs offer hands-on research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.

Designed for Sarasota’s coastal environment, Mote SEA includes climate-responsive strategies, shaded exterior areas, adaptable exhibit halls, and laboratories that can evolve with advances in marine science.

“From the building’s expressive form to its resilient façade system, every design decision was made to communicate Mote’s mission while ensuring the building can serve guests from all over the world for generations to come,” Jonathan Henry, Associate Principal at TVS, said in the statement.

Building team: Mote Marine Laboratory Inc. (owner), TVS (design architect and architect of record), EXP (MEP engineer), Walter P Moore (structural engineer), Roto (exhibit design), Ardurra (life support systems engineer), Whiting-Turner and Willis Smith Construction (contractors).