through a curved glass screen at the first floor gallery,
and also through an observation window in the first
floor foyer. The edge of the first floor gallery consists
of an 18m post-tensioned upstand beam, which
makes it possible to have no column interruptions
to the curved glass screen looking onto the main
viewing panel of the aquarium exhibit below. The
main hall of the upper functions area is covered with
an 18m span in-situ reinforced concrete roof with
post-tensioned downstand beams, which means that
the hall has no internal columns. It also provides for
future development space above.
The new building extension has been designed
to be in harmony with the materials and scale of the
Two Oceans Aquarium
existing building but, at the same time, it introduces
new window and door proportions, sun-control
elements and a pedestrian colonnade to the edge of
Dock Road. The articulation of the western facade
creates an animated edge to the boundary with the
One & Only Hotel. This extension, together with a
soon to be renovated Aquarium Square, will complete
the Aquarium precinct. The square in front of the
aquarium building will receive a new City Sightseeing
bus station and ticket office, as well as a V&AW
Visitors Information Centre. The existing large bus
shelter will be demolished. This will facilitate greater
visibility of the Two Oceans Aquarium and linking of
the square with the adjoining Watershed building.
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