The Seahorse Playground

In July of 2019, the government listed the White’s seahorse as an endangered species in Australia. As such, The Seahorse Playground project addresses this concern by suggesting a Theatre Centre that creates a special relationship between humans and marine biodiversity. Located in Chowder Bay, this project aligns with the research and development of The Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences by providing a safe habitat for relocated White’s seahorses and other marine animals. By working efficiently above and below the water, the project provides a safe space for the community to come engage with the seahorses and listen, learn and protest.

When developing a new project it is important to not disrupt the functioning of the existing site as it can cause rapid habitat loss which ultimately reduces marine species populations.

Therefore, the Seahorse Playground project has been carefully placed along an existing jetty in the Chowder Bay area, ultimately reducing the projects impact on the surrounding environmental.

These marine technologies were a vital part of this project as they allowed the Theatre Centre to create a successful relationship between the community and the endangered White’s Seahorse.

The architectural aim of these spaces is to push the typical boundaries of an aquarium, enhance reflections and light, and create a careful relationship between visitors and marine life.

Overall, The Seahorse Playground creates a safe haven for the White’s Seahorse in order to increase population numbers and ultimately remove the species from the endangered animals list.