The Rockford Aquarium is an institution of learning to strengthen environmental literacy and to provide
an example of what it means to be sustainable.
It will be a hybrid of natural history museum, aquarium and science center.
During the past thirty years, aquariums have fully emerged as well-known and highly valued visitor experiences and engines of economic development. Over the past years, environmental conscientiousness has brought an increased awareness of human impact on the planet, particularly fragile is the interaction of humans and the water resources of the nation.
For school children in the Midwest, the opportunity to learn hands-on about the saltwater wonders of the oceans becomes a powerful teaching tool. Integrated studies in ecology, sustainability, clean water supplies, and how they relate to a healthier environment are just the beginning of the experiences offered by an aquarium. The study of vertebrate and invertebrate water populations is most easily accomplished by the aquarium experience before venturing into field studies.
Projected programs include summer learning classes, internships and adult learning experiences designed to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the aquarium experience. Aquariums are proven education, conservation, entertainment and economic development institutions in their communities. In addition, in some locations, aquariums have had the ability to increase the length of stay of visitors – a visit to the aquarium becoming either a first day or second day experience.
In addition to expanding public access to Riverfront green space and providing a venue to inspire the imagination, the Rockford Aquarium will provide many services and programs for Tri State residents and visitors.
Traveling exhibitions featuring the work of world-renowned scientists and oceanographers will visit
The Aquarium, giving Northern Illinois the opportunity to experience retrospectives by acclaimed contemporary underwater specialists and access to priceless exhibits that have never visited the city before.
The Rockford Aquarium Lecture Series will feature the most gifted, intriguing and inventive scientists and water specialists of our time, with topics spanning the spectrum from freshwater habitats to cutting-edge underwater research.
Virtual Reality offers a viewing experience that, in other ways, far surpasses that of a real viewing gallery. The so-called gigapixel captures amazing interactive opportunities aiming to enrich and enliven encounters with the collections. Providing affordable access and engaging educational opportunities to youth is central to The Rockford Aquarium’s mission.
The Aquarium will work with other institutions, community groups and schools to develop groundbreaking programs that inspire future generations of scientists and specialists in the field of oceanography.
Creating awareness of our natural resources and the demands for reducing energy consumption has increasingly diminished the prominence of artificial lighting systems in Museums, Zoos, and Aquariums. Instead, green building practices intend to use power and other natural resources far more efficiently and generate less pollution. This practice will also create a safer indoor environment by harnessing more natural lighting and using materials to make indoor air healthier. By developing a sustainable facility, our vision is to increase water and energy efficiency, reduce waste and emissions, and use eco-friendly building materials.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE AQUARIUM WOULD INCLUDE:
The design will provide abundant natural light, and visitors will have access to outdoor views, which will be incorporated into the Aquarium Conservatory’s overall hardscape and pathways, freshwater designs, and local floral displays consisting of grasses, trees, shrubs, and a variety of other vegetation that is home to the Midwest. Sheltered from the weather by a glass canopy, the Conservatory will make it an excellent all-season respite where visitors can meet with friends and family for a meal, hang out, or explore their surroundings.
The abundance of trees and vegetation will aid with water and air purification within the overall facility as part of our green building practices. Access to green space has been shown to have significant positive impacts on health, both mentally and physically, by providing the biodiversity and “the sights, sounds, and smells needed for an immersive, multi-sensory aquatic experience. With both indoor and outdoor areas, the Rockford Aquarium will be a perfect setting for a lunch break for tourists and the local community alike.
