The exhibit, designed by Portico Group in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), highlights sharks and wildlife native to the waters surrounding New York City. The naturally solid exterior of aquarium buildings—designed to accommodate large mechanical systems and maintain low-light conditions that mimic deep-sea environments—creates a canvas for signage and artwork, creating a new landmark on the Coney Island Boardwalk.

The spiral entry on the Aquarium plaza beckons visitors into the exhibit. The aluminum panels conceal carefully integrated flood protection details, invisible until needed, to protect the building. Visitors encounter the diverse animals living off the NYC shore as they wind through the exhibit. The public spaces are only about one-third of the volume of the building; the rest is devoted to systems and support space. Walchitects principal Michael Walch’s role in this project was focused on integrating these functional spaces, and bringing the exterior envelope to fruition.