California Academy of Sciences,
Steinhart Aquarium

Ardurra delivered Life Support System design and construction administration services for the historic Steinhart Aquarium renovation at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. As one of America's oldest aquariums, this world-class facility required sophisticated aquatic life support systems capable of sustaining diverse marine environments within existing historical building constraints.

The team successfully designed and implemented life support systems for major exhibits while addressing severe seawater corrosion problems, water hammer considerations, and critical space limitations. Ardurra's expertise enabled continuous specimen care through a temporary aquarium facility during construction, demonstrating advanced knowledge of aquatic life support constraints and specialized technical requirements.

Key Project Highlights:

• Designed life support systems for 200,000-gallon live coral exhibit, 100,000-gallon Amazon Rainforest, and 100,000-gallon California Coast exhibit

• Engineered specialized systems for 25,000-gallon penguin exhibit and numerous unique aquatic animal habitats

• Evaluated and upgraded seawater intake system including capacity requirements for intake well system

• Assessed existing seawater intake pump stations and force main addressing corrosion, cavitation, and water hammer issues

• Designed and commissioned temporary aquarium life support systems ensuring specimen survival during construction

• Overcame severe seawater corrosion challenges and critical space constraints within historical building framework

The completed project maintained world-class aquatic exhibit standards while preserving the facility's historical significance and ensuring continuous operation of this iconic San Francisco attraction.