For Rehabilitation
Another reason one may build an aquarium, in terms of enclosing aquatic life, is for rehabilitation. One good example of this is the Alaska Sea Life Center located in Seward, Alaska. The construction of this building was actually in response to an environmental disaster that happened nearby on the Prince William Sounds. Specifically when an Exxon supertank spilled millions of gallons of oil into the water. Afterwards in order to research and assist local wildlife the Alaska Sea Life Center was created (History, n.d).
Due to this purpose the aquarium itself is much more functional in its form. The main structure is low to the ground with exhibits mainly focused around specific species found in Alaskan waters such as seals, sea lions, and seabirds. This simple layout with fewer species can allow for easier access to animals if needed. In these ways the form of the strcuture is being influcenced by its primary purpose. Its secondary purpose, that of an aquarium for the public, is made to function within this framework. That being said not all aquariums with rescue programs start off with that as their main goal.
Sometimes aquariums start off as a place of education to then later accommodate a secondary purpose of rehabilitation. The New England Aquarium located in Boston, Massachusetts for example started off with a more educational focus similar to previously mentioned aquariums. In fact Peter Chermayeff designed this aquarium as well (Tan, 2023). Similar to other buildings he worked on, such as the National Aquarium and the Tennessee Aquarium, the New England aquarium was situated right next to a large body of water, that being the Boston Harbor. You can also see the use of Chermayeff's iconic glass structures, now in the shape of a prism. Though this focus on education would expand to other froms of purpose.
In 1977 the aquarium started a response program for beach sea mammals and later in 1985 they would implement a marine animal health care center (New England Aquarium, 2023). Though despite these additions the overall structure remained the same in that it was focused more so on the educational front. As such the layout of the building itself largely remains focused on exhibits and educating the public. As such it is tighter in structure and houses a diverse array of species. That being said, one way they incorporated thier second purpose of conservation is the Marine Mammal Center. Where they house two rescued sea lions (Marine Mammal Center, 2024). The area itself is relatively small and contains both a shallow area and deep end for the sea lions. It is also close to the outside of the buildings, allowing visitors to watch through a thick glass window.