HOUSTON & BILLBOARDS

THE HOUSTON AQUARIUM [2006]

The Houston Aquarium exists for the preservation of the extraordinary diversity of sea life in the Gulf of Mexico. The Houston Zoological Society is devoted to raising awareness of the many ecological challenges confronting the Texas Gulf Coast. 

The zoological collection highlights the broad spectrum of wildlife forms that inhabit and constitute the many ecosystems of the Gulf, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. The building is a place of serious learning as well as a highly animated and interactive exhibit/display environment.

The orientation of the design stems from a combination of Houston’s Bayou-modified grid system and the city’s dependence on the highway. The northernmost corner of the building reaches to Interstate 45, while the northeastern facade stands opposite Interstate 10. The boldness of the top grid layer serves as a nod to Robert Venturi’s studies of the Las Vegas commercial strip, while the details of the bottom grid layer acknowledge Houston’s recent initiative to adapt to a more environmentally friendly pedestrian lifestyle. With the installment of the light rail, the city hopes to reinvigorate itself with the sense of community present in its early years of foundation.