Dolphin Discovery (2022)
- National Aquarium

Chad Tyler Design was contracted by the National Aquarium to provide conceptual and schematic design services for a major refresh of the Aquarium’s dolphin amphitheater in support of the Aquarium’s effort to promote its leadership in dolphin care and welfare. Chad Tyler Design was tasked with developing a design that helps transform the space away from an amphitheater and towards a more park-like setting. 

The design took its initial cues from the lush hillsides surrounding the coves being scouted for the dolphin pod’s future home in the National Aquarium’s Dolphin Sanctuary in Puerto Rico and transformed the space into its own sculptural hillside for visitors to explore. Large, often unused, seating areas are wrapped in printed vinyl graphics and faced with wood-look panels to introduce more natural colors and materials into the otherwise concrete-heavy space. 

Chad Tyler Design worked closely with the dolphin care team to identify design strategies that may help prepare the dolphins for the very big environmental changes ahead, such as the introduction of a new spatial soundscape, ephemeral elements that can allow greater variation within their environment and lighting that simulates the movement of clouds and birds overhead. One of the big design gestures was born of this collaboration with the animal care team. The animal care team moves large umbrellas around the backside of the pool throughout the day to help shield the dolphins’ eyes from the sun during feedings, and this became a clear opportunity to unify the front and back of house spaces, introduce variable components, and playful, tree-like structures into the visitor experience space. Benches to be removed through the space are recycled into planters and new forms of seating, creating a space for exploration, inspiration, and relaxation.