NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Size
214,000 SF

NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center includes 125,000 square feet of office and laboratory space for 275 scientists and a unique, multistory, 500,000-gallon Ocean Technology Development Test Tank. Located on a spectacular site in La Jolla, California, the project demanded a design that would take advantage of the natural characteristics of the site, the views, and the local climate. The site, a steep hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, presented a unique design opportunity to balance sensitivity to the natural landscape with the requirements of a science facility. Delawie, as Associate Architects in collaboration with Gould Evans Architects, created a high-tech marine research center over basement parking and support spaces. Key project goals included protecting public views, successful integration with the steep, wooded hillside, supporting sustainability principles and creating thoughtful, visually exciting architecture.

Awards
AIA San Diego | Honor Award, 2008