Cetacean Whale Exhibition Center

Cetacean Whale Exhibition Center

Cetacean Whale Exhibition Center is an innovative architectural project designed by Yihao Tong, conceived as a cultural destination in Husavik, Iceland, renowned as the whale-watching capital of the country. This Silver A' Design Award-winning structure exemplifies biomorphic architecture through its distinctive whale tail-inspired form, seamlessly integrating with the dramatic Icelandic landscape while serving as an educational and cultural hub dedicated to cetacean research and marine life preservation. The building, spanning 50 meters in length, 40 meters in width, and reaching 7 meters in height, employs sustainable design principles throughout its construction, utilizing recyclable materials and maximizing natural light through strategically placed glass curtain walls of varying heights. The structure's curved roof design serves multiple functions: it prevents snow accumulation, creates an elevated viewing platform for whale watching and aurora borealis observation, and symbolically bridges the gap between terrestrial and marine environments. The interior space thoughtfully preserves elements of the natural landscape, incorporating indigenous vegetation and stone formations, while exhibition walls create fluid spatial divisions that enhance the visitor experience. The project, developed in Milan during 2021, demonstrates exceptional environmental consciousness through its eco-friendly approach, employing wood mortise and tenon joints, concrete placement techniques, and glass curtain wall systems to create a structure that not only serves as an architectural landmark but also raises awareness about marine conservation and climate change impact on oceanic ecosystems.

marine architecture, sustainable design, whale conservation, cultural exhibition space, biomorphic structure, environmental education

— Adam Dawson