The world's tallest cylinder aquarium was recently revealed to the public at the new Avia Park Shopping Center in Moscow. The aquarium, designed and built by International Concept Management (ICM), is a staggering 23 meters tall and is viewable from all four levels of Europe's largest shopping center.
With millions of annual visitors, the intent of the aquarium was to enhance the shoppers' experience and serve as a focal point for the mall - and ICM delivered.
"From a visual standpoint, looking up at a freestanding water column this tall, is truly awe-inspiring," said Andrius Vengalis, Project Manager for ICM. "This new aquarium will serve as a focal point for not only the shopping center and its visitors, but also the community."
The aquarium holds 370,000 liters of saltwater and nearly 2,500 fish. Due to the extreme depths of the tank, it is necessary for divers to make multiple decompression stops. The exhibitry, which replicates the Red Sea, houses multiple platforms for the divers to take such precautions.
ICM was the turnkey contractor on the project - that included everything from concept design; to designing, sourcing, and installing the reef in the tank for a safe and functional environment for the livestock; selecting and sourcing fish that successfully cohabitate; and providing the lighting and filtration systems for the aquarium. ICM will provide ongoing operations and maintenance.
The exterior of the aquarium is 23 meters tall and 6 meters in diameter. The aquarium shell consists of 55 metric tons of acrylic, provided by Reynolds Polymer Technology. This aquarium not only broke world records, but was a monumental success for ICM as well.
Nathan Reynolds, VP of Operations, remarked, "Each of our projects take on a special meaning to the team, and this one will stand out as an excellent example of what we can achieve when challenged by a client. The project turned out exactly as we envisioned it and will certainly establish itself as a landmark within a beautiful mall in Moscow, Russia!"
Related Stories
| Jan 31, 2012
Fusion Facilities: 8 reasons to consolidate multiple functions under one roof
‘Fusing’ multiple functions into a single building can make it greater than the sum of its parts. The first in a series on the design and construction of university facilities.
| Jan 24, 2012
U of M installs new lighting at Crisler Player Development Center
Energy efficient lighting installed at PDC reduce costs and improves player performance.
| Jan 6, 2012
New Walgreen's represents an architectural departure
The structure's exterior is a major departure from the corporate image of a traditional Walgreens design.
| Dec 7, 2011
ICS Builders and BKSK Architects complete St. Hilda’s House in Manhattan
The facility's design highlights the inherent link between environmental consciousness and religious reverence.
| Dec 5, 2011
SchenkelShultz Architecture designs Dr. Phillips Charities Headquarters building in Orlando
The building incorporates sustainable architectural features, environmentally friendly building products, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally-sensitive construction practices.
| Nov 29, 2011
SB Architects completes Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa in China
Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa is home to the largest natural springs reserve in the region, and measures 950,000 sf.
| Nov 22, 2011
Jones Lang LaSalle completes construction of two new stores in Manhattan
Firm creates new global design standard serving as project manager for Uniglo’s 89,000-sf flagship location and, 64,000-sf store.
| Oct 24, 2011
BBS Architects & Engineers receives 2011 Sustainable Design Award from AIA Long Island Chapter
AIA LI also recognized BBS with the 2011 ARCHI Award Commendation for the St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery Welcoming and Information Center in Farmingdale, NY.
| Oct 14, 2011
University of New Mexico Science & Math Learning Center attains LEED for Schools Gold
Van H. Gilbert architects enhances sustainability credentials.
