This project explores the design of a coastal research center situated along a jetty in Marina del Rey, California. Developed collaboratively with a partner, the design stems from extensive research on the site’s marine ecology, local activities, and cultural history. The project aims to create a multipurpose space that serves both scientific and public needs; bridging marine research with community engagement.
The building is organized into two primary zones: a research facility dedicated to the study of marine life, and a public recreational zone that draws from the surrounding coastal activities. These two functions are linked yet visually separated by a park-like central space that acts as both a circulation spine and an outdoor gathering area.
Constructed with concrete as the primary material, the structure is designed to withstand the harsh marine environment while providing natural thermal regulation. The project emphasizes the integration of program, site, and environment, transforming a working research facility into a destination that celebrates the intersection of science, recreation, and coastal identity.
Location : Marina Del Rey, California
Instructor : Ben Jones
Software : Rhinoceros, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Enscape
