Which style of aquarium do you prefer ?

[FWC]

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 ?

 

[PAT]

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.

 

[chrisbarela]

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.

 

[ThylacineAlive]

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

 

[TheMightyOrca]

Immersive, I guess. More interesting to me.