History and Future of Aquariums Technology and Life Support Systems

(Samaria to Cape Town)

Mr. Paul E. Cooley, PE 1

Rebekah G. Gladson, FAIA, AUA2

1MWH Americas, Irvine, CA, 92612, USA 2rggoup global, Inc., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 USA Vice Chancellor, University of California Irvine, USA

Keywords: “History of Aquarium Life Support Systems”, “Sustainability” “Carbon Footprint”

INTRODUCTION

The term “technical” when referring to Aquariums can encompass a wide variety of topics including life support systems. The brief discussion today will focus on the interrelationship between technology, sustainability, experience and learning. Ms. Gladson, who is Vice Chancellor at the University of California Irvine and President of rggroup global, and has built world class laboratory research facilities, engineering labs, and health care will contribute to this discussion. She will bring a parallel dialogue of the development of society and knowledge/learning and how these principles will affect the design of aquarium facilities in the future, and a link to technical issues such as the Life Support Design.

A large portion of the aquarium history and time periods were developed and documented by Mr. Paul van den Sande of the Antwerp Zoo and Mr. Trevor Long of Sea World of Australia. This paper builds on the previous work of these two individuals which frame the history of aquariums and augments with the history of life support systems and societal development.

Terminology: Ancient/Old/Transitional/New/Future

Mr. van den Sande, in his review of aquarium history identified the following five categories of aquariums: Ancient, Old, Transitional/New and Future, (figure 1). This categorization covers the history of aquariums from ancient times to current times and the future. The following discussion will utilize this terminology and build upon that understanding.

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ANCIENT AQUARIUMS

The Ancient Aquariums employed natural systems with no energy use, or at least only energy from the sun, (figure 2). There was no Life Support System as known today. The systems, depending on environmental conditions were sustainable (sometimes). Localized and global environmental changes could destroy entire ecosystems because there was no control of the environment possible or even attempted. As man became more prevalent in the environment the impact of man’s activities (farming, industrialization) had destructive effects on these habitats.

In ancient times there was a fascination and interest in the water world and what could not be easily seen. In order to make sense of what was not scientifically understood; rituals and traditions were developed to participate and please the powers of nature. The individual experience with the sea and underwater world was complete immersion with little impact on natural resources.

Survival was the paramount concern for individuals and society during this period of time. Securing food and providing for family and community was the focus of man’s energy and time. Fish played a role in these endeavors, food and commerce for the marketplace which enable one to procure other life necessities.

To further illustrate the societal understanding of the ocean and underwater environment a brief look at history provides some interesting perspectives:

• During the Sumerian period although a written language had been developed there was limited written communications. Most communications took place in a verbal form at the city gates, water wells, market place and storytelling at individual homes. The ability to travel and see events was not possible for most and only a few individuals were able to read and or write. History was passed on verbally from generation to generation.

• Technology advancements and societal development brought about many interesting and at times entertaining behaviors and customs. As methods were developed to contain sea life in containers and or ponds the wealthy were amused by having fish and some species became signs of good luck, prosperity or wealth, (figure 3).

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• During the period of the Roman Empire fish might be kept under a guest bed in small tanks of marble. The Egyptians were also fascinated with the sea evidenced by the signs of aquariums of sorts in murals and wall paintings. Progressing to the Victorian period the allure of fish in a glass bowl is seen in portraits of Victorian ladies, (Figure 4).

At the end of the Ancient Period the progression and development of technology and societal change was moving at an unprecedented pace, however, communications are still limited. For the educated there were limited books and publications, and those without education it was predominately verbal and pictorial.

OLD GENERATION AQUARIUMS 1850 – 1950

The next phase of aquarium development was the Old Generation Aquariums from 1850 to 1950. This period started with the invention of the aquariums as known today. The first real aquarium was attributed to Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward who essentially took four pieces of glass and made them into a box, which allowed viewing into the underwater world in a limited sense. This invention was called the Wardian Case and allowed the first aquarists to develop the first “tank cycling”, (Figure 5). Out of this invention came a very simple life support system which consisted of the use of large quantities of natural

seawater, slow rate sand filters and limited to no temperature control or re-aeration.

The Great Exposition of 1853 demonstrated this recent invention of the aquarium to the world. The Exposition transformed societal understanding of scientific development and revolutionized the expectation that great accomplishments and knowledge could be shared by the common person, (Figure 6). It was at this Exposition that each county showed the best they had or had developed in science, art, and engineering and for a very small sum of money the common person could view these amazing accomplishments. The height of the Victorian period was a time of curiosity and interest by the common person in science, engineering and nature. Parlor discussions often referenced new inventions and discoveries both nationally and internationally.

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The architectural experience of the first public aquariums was rather static in its interaction with the viewer. The architecture positioned the viewer in a passive mode of viewing similar to that of a museum. The view was one of looking at the environment rather than being immersed in the environment, (Figures 7, 8 and 9).

Globally there was a focus on expanding the reach of higher education and the importance of understanding the world and changing society through knowledge. This was also a time when society was rapidly evolving. During this period the rights of the individual gave birth to establishment of organized labor with gilds and specialization craftsman. Scientific knowledge brought about significant changes in industry, healthcare, agriculture, technology and engineering. For the first time, a significantly larger percentage of society had resources which allowed them the time to travel, and be amused and entertained. Communications were vastly expanding. There was broad access to printed materials and radios and televisions in individual homes were becoming common. Sustainability at this point in societal development was not a consideration since the evolution of technology, politics, and global awareness of people, resources and economics had not taken on a role of importance. Society was in the throes of invention and there was a peaking of interest in knowledge which previously had not been available to the ordinary person.

The developments of the Old Generation Aquariums were spurred by the Great Exposition (Figure 10), which was a true global event. These simple aquarium technologies were transferred and began to show up worldwide, including Australia, Asia, US, and Europe. A series of very similar aquariums were built in a relatively short period of time including Steinhart Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium and Vancouver Aquarium in the US, Vasco De Gamo and Antwerp Aquarium in Europe, the Coolgee Palace Aquarium in Australia and the Uozu Aquarium in Japan.

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TRANSITIONAL AQUARIUMS 1950 – 1980

The next phase of aquarium development was from 1950 to 1980. In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s there was a global interest in discovery, exploration and research. There had been a World War and mankind was interested in rebuilding and changing the world. There was a world race to reach outer space and the moon, (Figure 11). There is also a global interest and fascination with the sea; popular novels, movies and TV shows focus on the underwater world, (Figure 12).

The accessibility of education had never been greater and both scientists and environmentalist realize the importance of both space and the sea in understanding our world and our destiny. Many governments instituted programs to support those who wished to pursue academic knowledge with significant incentives in giving back to their communities.

During this period there was intentionality to making a statement with the built environment and imposing individual versus governmental thought with the design of both public and private projects, as evidenced by the work of Le Corbusier, Gropius, and Mies van der Rohe. The concept of planned communities and environment flourish and the impacts on social structure are studied in great detail.

Economic growth was strong and with that comes the desire for entertainment. Aquariums, zoos and museums become places that make cities desirable, create redevelopment opportunities and increase the likelihood that people will choose to live in that location, (Figure 13).

During this period, communication and the availability of information and knowledge are broadly available. World events can be watched “real time”. Information is instantly available. As a society everything must occur instantaneously – events must be viewed as they happen. The desire for an immersive experience is growing and demands action.

The issue of sustainability is starting to come into view, but society is so enamored with what is possible and the focus on sustainability is fairly weak.

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The Transitional Aquariums represented a transition in the goals and objectives of the facilities with only minor changes in life support design, (Figure 14). The aquariums were still natural, low tech seawater systems. The predominant transition was from low rate sand filters to high rate sand filters. The low rate sand filters were large in area and as the exhibit tanks got larger, the life support system became unmanageable.

NEW AQUARIUMS 1980 – 2012

1980 started the age of the New Aquariums, (Figure 15). Between 1980 and today, there was an explosion of aquariums build throughout the world. Species became more diverse as the life cycle of more exotic animals were better understood. The location of aquariums became more diverse, making a larger demand on the life support facilities. Natural seawater was no longer always available which requires artificial seawater in critical facilities. Improved window technology allowed for immersive viewing into the natural environment, i.e. tunnels, domes, mega-panels. Immersion experience became more

pronounced in an attempt to replicate the natural environment experienced in the Ancient Aquarium period. Viewing quality began to put more demands on the life support system. As a result technology became critical to the viewing experience. All of these processes resulted in increased energy consumption. With 50% of the energy consumption of the building attributed to the Life Support System, the sustainability of the facility has come into question.

In the design of aquariums, as well as corporate headquarters, educational facilities and healthcare the demand is to create a building that is memorable and better in some aspect than all other building of its kind. The accomplishment of this goal has become synonymous and paramount to the definition of success, (Figure 16). One example is the global competition to create the tallest building, witnessed by buildings where the height was increased by antennas to exceed another previously constructed facility. In aquariums this type of competition for uniqueness is often demonstrated by who can build the largest tank, largest viewing window and most immersive experience.

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At the individual level the desire for a memorable experience or expression of what transpired within the physical or experiential structure became critical in defining the success. The summary statement might be: “My Experience is Important”. In order for an “experience” to be memorable there is a strong correlation for the experience to be immersive, a participant rather than an observer. With the advancement of technology it has become possible to form memories and images both real and created that can tantalize the mind and excite the senses.

Technology advancements has allowed for a level of knowledge that had previously been unavailable to most individuals. In fact science has often been made into entertainment with star studded television programs and tantalizing stories on major broadcasting networks. It is even possible to send cameras through the body, and if brave enough one can watch your own procedure. Science, learning, entertainment and politics have started to merge into a common experience and perhaps intellectual and political message.

While buildings became richer and more opulent, often requiring more energy, there is a struggle to be socially responsible and use less energy. Awards are given for using less energy, and being sustainable, yet at the same time all our senses must be stimulated.

This has created a schism, while frustrating to some it has generated an opportunity for a new way of thinking. There are insufficient resources to create an building or environment in all the places. The challenge is to create these memorable experiences without the cost and environmental impact.

FUTURE AQUARIUMS

Given this Schism what does the future hold? A few observations, (Figure 17):

1. Technology is increasing at a rapid pace.

2. The refinement of currently utilized technologies is critical. Remember, these technologies have only been utilized for a relatively short period of time, historically.

3. Sustainability is increasing in importance. A higher level of efficiency must be discovered and our investments must be better leveraged.

The push lately is to try and move back to more “natural systems” which mimic the natural environment (the Technology of the Ancient Aquariums). The problem with this approach is that the industry and viewer has never accepted the “water quality of nature”. The majority of facilities require treatment of the natural water before it can be used in the facilities. So how can a natural system work when nature is unacceptable?

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The alternative is to advance technology even further. The most encouraging systems are the use of membranes which can remove visual particles efficiently, remove algae, bacteria and viruses adeptly and can even remove materials down to the molecular level, (Figure 18).

A membrane pilot plant has been running at the Vancouver Aquarium this last year and is showing great promise in full scale application in the aquatics area. There are technology breakthroughs that have not yet been discovered. But do these foreseeable breakthroughs get us to the level of sustainability society demands? Not by

themselves. So perhaps a portion of the sustainability discussion can be solved by re-defining “what is the aquarium”? How does the virtual aquarium come to play and what is that total immersion experience: Immersion in the viewing of the facility, immersion in the interaction with the staff, immersion of the staff operating the facility with the citizen scientists? People want to be immersed in all aspects of the facility and maybe the communication revolution can help facilitate that on all levels, including the life support operations. Current projects under development are incorporating the life support system into the viewer’s immersive experience.

Current realities are impacting the way that the future is viewed:

Sustainability and limited resources are changing how interaction, learning/education, research collaboration, architectural/environmental experience, “sense of place”, entertainment and our “Value Proposition” are delivered and experienced. As a society with limited resources it is no longer an option to build a universities, research hospitals or aquariums in every desired location. The project must look at the “Return on Investment” (ROI) and are there alternatives to achieve the desired end result. New market opportunities must be identified and developed that will support both the enterprise and the market demands.

At the Long Beach Aquarium Hospital the vets are not only operating on the animals, while a cocktail party is going on outside the Operating Room, but the entire event is being broadcast over the internet. Facilities (including the life support systems) must be designed for a high level of participant immersion, both present and virtual, (Figure 19).

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These types of immersive learning environments are being actively implemented in state of the art research medical facilities globally. At the University of California Simulation Lab, students operate on multi-million dollar robots that bleed, breath, cry, perspire and whose pupils dilate. This experience is choreographed by a “producer” who participates in creating this immersive environment, (Figures 20 & 21).

Similarly, the University of California is currently designing a top 50 business school that for each student in the classroom there will be seven who will participate virtually. These virtual experiences are both synchronous and asynchronous, it should be noted that providing a virtual experience does not necessarily cost less than the actual physical experience in terms of operating cost. The motivation is not one of cost, but expanded markets and providing access to those who otherwise would not have access. Education, healthcare and aquariums are big business, and an immersive virtual experience provides access to expanded market sectors. It is important to distinguish between the virtual experience and the animated experience. For the purpose of this discussion, the virtual experience is tied to real physical facility, (Figure 22).

The environments that are designed, built and operated will be experienced by a significant number of individuals through virtual connections. This is in part due to the need to increase market sector, limited resources to duplicate facilities and to provide connection to those who would not otherwise have access.

The concern of how the virtual experience will be perceived and received is a legitimate concern. However, before addressing this issue, let’s take a look at how communications occur with current and younger generations and what a “New Reality” would have to overcome:

o The Average teenager sends more than 3,330 text messages per month or 110 messages per day and opens only 25% of their emails in 48 hours.

o Intense competition for the individual’s attention and the individual’s desire for intense stimulation.

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o Instant information/interaction is always available from personal hand held devices. If you cannot overcome this level of stimulation through your immersive interaction/experience the (iPad’s or iPhones) will win!

o Authors Arthur Levin and Diane Dean claim today’s graduates that have an average of 241 social media friends, but they have trouble communicating in person.

What do these changes mean in terms of future aquariums – both physical and virtual? The clients demand for options and maintaining market sector will force a different kind of service and specialized tailoring of interactions. Future clients will be made up of those who are present and those who will not be present; the successful experiential interaction with both groups requires different design and operational decisions.

The desire and need for physical places will continue for many reasons; the basis of the

virtual experience, research and community value. However, design requirements for these spaces will change due to the unique nature of the participant and the demand for richer interaction. Some factors to consider when developing these spaces:

o Dr. Lisa Barron, Lecturer on Creativity at UC School of Business focuses on the following elements for successful interaction”

i. Tap into curiosity and exploration desires (Its built into our DNA to explore)

ii. Inspire the mind. iii. Teach experientially for those present and virtual (Make learning fun and

not painful) iv. Clearly identify what you can offer to those who are present and those

who are not present. v. Create a “Demand”

Question: How does the aquarium of the future engage the participant in all aspects of education, citizen scientist, entertainment and sustainability (including the life support systems)? Consider: Providing a completely immersive experience with access to multiple levels of experience and personal attention, even down to the operation and monitoring the facility. Example:

• The University of California Irvine has approached this problem by adopting a new philosophy and created new positions. (There are US Business Schools in the top 20 that offer a full degree VIRTUALLY.)

• This virtual experience does not depend on simple online cameras or devices, Think “Saturday Night Live” studio.

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• Interaction with faculty and students is through a “Producer” (Figure 23). • Producer takes care of the remote student issues and community issues. • Provide immediate feedback loops for faculty and students. • Producer assists in the development of a sense of community and new

experiences. • The public wants to interact at all levels including how you use energy,

maintain life support systems and care for the animals that they come to love,

CONCLUSION

So as technologists, we all need to be aware of the reality that the expectations for our profession are increasing. Increasing the demand on more energy efficient systems, more immersive environments, pushing the limits of technology, (Figure 24). So we are learning together as we work to develop the aquariums of the future. Aquarium designers will need to design the facility to accommodate all methods of experiencing the aquarium, especially accommodating the “citizen scientists” who want to participate in the aquarium “experience” remotely, joining with the life support operators, curators, educational staff in fully immersing themselves in the aquarium design, operation and vision. The expectation for aquariums of the future will be to provide a more immersive both for the public, the operators and the designers.