OdySea Aquarium

Constructing an aquarium in the desert presents a host of unique challenges. The OdySea project featured elevated, cast-in-place concrete aquariums with an innovative building design with minimal right angles. As a result, a unique challenge for the construction team was building the entire facility on a radial grid. McCarthy used GPS coordinates since it was not possible to provide a traditional grid system or dimensions that could be utilized for construction. Structural elements within the three-dimensional model were assigned real world latitude, longitude and elevation coordinates, so all structural components were sized, shaped and located using a Total Station instrument that conveyed points in the field to the thousandth of a foot. 

OdySea’s unique circular design also presented a unique challenge. Every single support element, both steel and concrete, was unique. Because of this, the team maximized the use of technology on the project to insure each component fit upon delivery. From the structural steel members, concrete columns and 4” thick radial acrylic panels to the structural steel theater turntable manufactured in China, precise measurements were necessary for each component to fit upon arrival. For example, 14ft x 40ft radial acrylic windows were designed in the United States, manufactured in Thailand and delivered to site 14 weeks later. Tolerances for curvature of the concrete were less than one degree and length and height were less than 1/4”. Over 5,455 sf cast-in-place concrete acrylic windows, over 1,100 structural beams and 72 concrete tilt panels fit the first time with no rework.

OdySea Aquarium was completed with the grand opening occurring just 18 months after groundbreaking and introduction of the first animals occurring in month 15. In order to meet the schedule, major work activities were strategically sequenced so that the most critical aspects of the project, the exhibits, would be constructed first, followed by the rest of the building. Because the construction completion date and opening date were the same, the team worked together to integrate animal introduction and acclimation activities into the project schedule.

There are many unique characteristics of OdySea, including the Aqua Lobby where nine globe-shaped aquariums each weighing 1,000 pounds are suspended from the ceiling, a 3D theater, and the Living Sea Carousel, a rotating seating area that offers short presentations on the aquarium’s four largest exhibits including the open ocean, sea turtles, sea lions and seals and shark waters.