Texas State Aquarium

Ardurra designed life-support systems for the $40 million Texas State Aquarium, overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, and created educational exhibits dedicated to the conservation of aquatic resources in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The facility showcases Gulf marine ecosystems through interactive exhibits, ranging from magnified crustacean displays to a 130,000-gallon tank featuring a full-scale replica of an offshore oil rig, integrating dynamic graphics, interactive video, and multimedia presentations.

The project required completion within two years to avoid forfeiture of the budget fund, using fast-track design methods and numerous bid packages to accelerate construction. Live exhibits demonstrate the complexity of interactions in Gulf marine life while incorporating human elements, including marine culture, ocean engineering, oil exploration, the fishing industry, and marine paleontology education.

Key Life Support System Design:

• Designed life support systems for a $40 million aquarium featuring a 130,000-gallon tank with a full-scale offshore oil rig replica

• Completed fast-track design and construction within a two-year timeline, utilizing multiple bid packages, avoiding budget fund loss

• Created educational exhibits ranging from magnified crustacean displays to complex Gulf ecosystem demonstrations

• Designed subsequent $1.4 million expansion featuring a ridley sea turtle and river otter exhibit with specialized life support systems

• Engineered 400,000-gallon dolphin exhibit with natural seawater supply from adjoining Corpus Christi Bay

• Integrated above and below water viewing for eight to ten adult dolphins with natural bay water circulation

• Developed treatment systems including intake structure, foam fractionation, bio-tower filtration, pressure filters, and ozone contractors

The aquarium development provides Texas with premier marine education facilities while establishing new standards for interpreting the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. The innovative dolphin exhibit, featuring natural seawater circulation and unique continuous pool bottom cleaning systems, showcases advanced aquatic life support technology that supports marine mammal care and visitor education.