skip to main content

I want to...

Current filter:

Business Case and Design Concepts

Read the Detailed Business Case for Project Shapeshifter: Redefining our National Aquarium. Further supporting documents are at the bottom of this page.

Design Concepts

EHDD are internationally renowned, specialist aquarium designers, located in San Francisco. As part of putting together the detailed business case, EHDD were needed at this early stage to provide a high level design concept that will help us to estimate not only capital expenditure, but also ongoing operating expenditure. The following images are design concepts from EHDD.

With respect to rising sea levels, the designs include strategies to minimise damage and protect the aquarium’s collection. Incorporating these design strategies means the aquarium can be built to survive rising sea levels and future storm surge events with minimal damage. 

The current 100-year flood level along Napier’s coast is 5.7 metres above sea level. Research suggests that sea levels will rise 0.6 metres in the next 50 years, bringing a 100-year flood event to 6.3 metres. The main floor of the new aquarium would be 7.3 metres above current sea level – 1 metre above the 100-year flood level adjusted for sea level rise.

To minimise damage, mechanical, electrical and telecommunication rooms and associated equipment would be located on the upper floor or the building’s roof to avoid flooding. The building will be designed to withstand high wind speeds during storms. In general, aquariums are very robust buildings due to the stress load requirements of the wet exhibits.

Design Concepts - Exhibits

The following are concepts for potential exhibits at the new facility, designed by EHDD Architects.

Additional supporting documents:

New Zealand Ocean Centre: Concept Evaluation

Aquarium and Ocean Centre of New Zealand

National Aquarium - Cultural Case

Visitor Analysis and Demand Study

Economic Impact Assessment

Visitor Projections Report

Existing Facilities Assessment Report

Loading...

Napier City Council - Copyright © 2023 Napier City Council

Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Napier City Council to ensure that the information on this website is accurate and up to date, Napier City Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith. Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant government agencies. Napier City Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content. Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced information or material is copyright to the respective provider.

© Napier City Council - www.napier.govt.nz / +64 6 835 7579 / info@napier.govt.nz