Belle Isle Aquarium Weathervane Design

Belle Isle Aquarium was built in 1908 by famed industrial Detroit architect, Albert Khan (Henry Ford's designer of choice). In the early 20th century it was a first of its kind state-of-the-art facility rivialed only by an aquarium in NYC. It closed by the city about a decade ago but recently reopened by a non-profit group. In attempt to foster appeal and pride in the structure, the group commissioned a design competition to replace the weathervane which formed adorned the structures cupola.

Poseidon in the entrance's ornate arched entabulature.

Existing Site Buildings and conditions.

This island has two of the oldest and prestigious buildings in Detroit: The aquarium ( 1908; bottom) and the White House (1863; top). The White House was built as a summer home for the Campeau Family when the island was their private property. It is the oldest structure on the island. In addition to creating a wathervane, my design intentions were to spatial/visually link these two historic structures so that the character of each can be enjoy by the parks visitors and patrons.

Conceptual Sketches of the weathervane

Front elevation of Aquarium, Cupola in the background.

Elevation reimagined with the new weathervane.

The space infront of the aqaurium would benifit from a public piazza to invite pedestrains and promote people based opportunitties.

removing the lawn and replacing it with a pavered surface opens the space up for more viewing of the new weathervane and the building itself. Planting new trees and also positioning street bollards would also help demarcate the space as the "urban vestibule" before entering the aquarium. The space is much more dynamic and provide the energy needed next to the historic public buildings.