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Which style of aquarium do you prefer ?

Discussion in 'General Zoo Discussion' started by FWC, 25 Nov 2013.

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Which aquarium style do you prefer ?

Poll closed 25 Dec 2013.
  1. Immersive style

    4 vote(s)
    12.1%
  2. Gallery style

    5 vote(s)
    15.2%
  3. A combination of both

    21 vote(s)
    63.6%
  4. Both are fine but should be kept separate

    3 vote(s)
    9.1%
  5. Neither (explain below)

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. FWC

    FWC Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    27 Feb 2011
    Posts:
    125
    Location:
    Alberta
    So I've visited several aquariums and have noticed two major design trends.

    The first is "naturalized", with bright lighting and immersive exhibits that make you feel like scenery and exhibit are one.

    The second is "gallery" style, typically with dim lighting and dark painted walls, here the focus is almost entirely on the exhibits with no intents to draw focus to the scenery.

    There are also combos of the two (vancouver aquarium comes to mind) that pull off both styles to some extent.


    So for all my zoochat friends out there, which style do you prefer ?
     
  2. PAT

    PAT Well-Known Member 15+ year member

    Joined:
    16 Jan 2008
    Posts:
    1,557
    Location:
    Victoria
    I voted both because I like themed exhibits if they're well done but simply hate anything tacky or cheap looking. Rotterdam's Oceanium is superb because it doesn't overdo it but I'd much rather an aquarium like Antwerp Zoo's over anything like Birmingham Sealife.
     
  3. chrisbarela

    chrisbarela Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    17 Aug 2009
    Posts:
    122
    Location:
    Southern California
    I've seen both styles done well - Monterey goes for Gallery and it's extremely well done. I tend to be more theatrical so the aquarium I designed is almost entirely themed. I think there is room for all kinds of aquariums as long as the design and story are well thought out. I would also add the element of surprise - seeing an exhibit that hasn't been done to death - would be great to see.
     
  4. ThylacineAlive

    ThylacineAlive Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    20 Oct 2012
    Posts:
    10,699
    Location:
    Connecticut, U.S.A.
    One with actual signage on all exhibits! I'm tired of never being able to know what fish I'm staring at!

    But both gallery and immersive work equally as well imlo.

    ~Thylo:cool:
     
  5. TheMightyOrca

    TheMightyOrca Well-Known Member 10+ year member

    Joined:
    28 Jan 2014
    Posts:
    1,807
    Location:
    Corpus Christi, Texas
    Immersive, I guess. More interesting to me.