in detail
feel with sweeping Atlantic sea views. At all times, sensual stimulation is key to the designs and visitors can hear sounds of crashing waves and squawking gulls, while they are encouraged to take a peep into the craggy rocks and experience the touchpools. These have been created so that guests can feel the corals and creatures of the shoreline for themselves. The design also uses Venice and its
architecture and history as its inspiration. When visitors journey inland to Venice they experience the moodiness of life under water in the Grand Canal. Guests discover the fish that live in and under the hub of the city through integrated viewing holes and domes, which are defined by the grey green hues of the steep granite walls and foundations of the fondaco houses and gondolas above.
In the shoaling ring, visitors discover the
journey of Venetian explorer Marco Polo on his 13th century voyages around the globe. From his Venetian birthplace, he journeyed to Asia and beyond to the tropical Indian Ocean and the South China seas. Kay Elliott has created a tropical journey for all visitors to the attraction. It begins in deep waters within a magical shoaling ring. Silver fish circle a bright blue halo of water and the cave at the centre of this magical
show is illuminated by deep blue LED lights. LED lighting was chosen not only because of the way it looks but because it consumes less energy and reduces cooling requirements for the tanks. One of the most impressive displays at
the aquarium is an underwater Balinese temple garden which features a large Balinese stone statue. In the ocean tunnel, guests feel as though they are walking under the water and the theme is continued and blended into the coral underwater graphics leading up the stairs to the Temple of Seahorses. Here the emphasis is on reflecting the magical feel of the creatures. Kay Elliott has created a labyrinth of stone carved walls and arches, adorned with ancient imagery and text that explains the myth, magic and truth about seahorses to guests. UV paint and lights have been used to create a slightly surreal effect. All areas of the attraction encourage
visitors to interact with the sea creatures. Jesolo includes a Tropical Bay of Rays where Kay Elliott has created a lost castaway island to house the rays. Dramatic horizon views beyond an elevated platform form a stage with a backdrop for hosts to talk behind the ray lagoon, while guests can step onto the platform for above tank views, or crawl underneath for special underwater views.
The aquarium has been created to appeal
to children’s vivid imaginations. One area depicts a shipwreck. Kay Elliott has designed the room so that, from inside a sunken merchant ship, guests can peep at tropical fish and coral through slatted portholes and treasure chest exhibits. Crates provide seating to watch the views. Children are further encouraged to take part and get involved with the exhibit as they can explore and climb on features, play interactive pirate games and look for clues amongst the crates as part of a quiz trail. Other features include a cinema, a play
area and shop. The shop has been designed using a coral garden as its inspiration and an adventure submarine entertains children, while in the play area children can explore, climb and dive into holes and nets. The mall also had to be rebranded so that it was in keeping with other Sea Life attractions. Kay Elliott designed an exterior for the building which displays the sea creatures which can be found within. Construction began in March 2010 and was completed on time and on budget in March 2011. The centre has the capacity to handle 625 people per hour and is already exceeding expectations.
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