Coral Reef Research & Science Center - Jevon Carrington/ Trinidad & Tobago
Categories: Students, Public, Coral Reef Research & Science Center
Student: Jevon Carrington School: Howard University, Wash, DC Name of Project: Symbiosis - Coral Reef Research & Science Center Location: Crown Point, Tobago Project Type: Research/ Public Urban Site Area: 120000 SQFT Built-up Area: 50000 SQFT
Coral Reef Science Center
Project Description:
The Coral Reef Research & Science Center is proposed to educate and shed some light on the issues surrounding the degradation of the worlds coral reefs. The building would comprise of a science center, aquarium, theatre, offices, laboratories, commercial and retail facilities, and is located in Crown Point, Tobago’s ambitious tourist development.
The Reef Center has the duality of being a highly technological research center for marine life regeneration yet still engaging the public with an aquarium and exhibitions. At the Coral Reef Research & Science Center, reef rejuvenation is investigated. Visitors have a firsthand look at this most troubling situation. They can interact with the scientists and researchers who would foster a link with the community and be positive role models for our nation's youth.
Coral Reef Research & Science Center
Concept:
This project investigates ‘the relationships of things.’ Things that would typically not seem to be connected. Creating spaces that are not diabetic but symbiotic, bringing things together that would typically be separate. This projects challenges the safety of the shore and the dissolution of the line between ocean and land. The concept of symbiosis is a dynamic pluralism. It does not seek to reconcile binomial opposites through dialectics. Creating a congruency between the scientific approach and architectural approach, therefore introducing healthy vibrant spaces encouraging scientists to perform at the highest level while stirring the public’s interest and participation.
Coral Reef Research & Science Center
Design strategies:
The program was written and spaces laid out and typical circulations were graphed, the superperforming functions were superimposed and symbiotic points were thus created. The interrelationship of the private, the symbiotic and fully public spaces became the underlying geometry from which the basic plan was created. This basic geometry was then torque and translated based on a set of “rules” that dictated movement and attraction to the water and other significant context pinpoints.
