As part of the Lisbon Expo ’98, Cambridge Seven Associates was commissioned to design Europe’s largest aquarium. A single idea, that all of the world’s oceans form one great sea is the theme of the Ocean’s Pavilion.  A huge 1.22 million gallon tank lies at the heart of the Pavilion, organizing the aquarium around a central concept.

The Aquarium includes the central tank, four separate large habitats, visitor’s center and gallery spaces.  The new building rises on concrete piers in a protected basin, and is accessible by pedestrian bridge from the visitor’s center with galleries and support spaces.

The lighting was to encompass all public areas both interior and exterior including the central tank and all habitats and galleries.  The approach was both scientific and theatrical, creating an environment illuminated by undulating light, with continual face to face encounters with marine life. Multiple light sources such as metal halide, high pressure sodium, as well as quartz halogen were utilized to generate lighting effects.