Map Description of first floor of the Aquarium of the Pacific

Introduction

The below is a fictionalized detailed version of the text description, based on the First Floor of the Aquarium of the Pacific description from the UniDescription project (Opens a new tab). The below description expands on their description, clarifying and describing features at the space with fictional information. It also puts the description into the landmark, route, and survey knowledge framework (opens a new tab).

Synopsis

A map showing the first floor of the Aquarium of the Pacific. It shows the main route from the front entrance, through the gallery to the outdoor exhibits. There are many underwater exhibits in this floor, focused on kelp, jellyfish, and lobsters.

Landmarks

Great Hall of the Aquarium

Sensory Characteristics

The Great Hall is a large, cavernous, echoing space. It is filled with the sounds of excited chatter and the occasional splash from nearby exhibits. The air is cool and carries a faint scent of saltwater, giving you a sense of the oceanic environment. The floor is linoleum.

Type

Exhibit hall

Shape

The Great Hall is rectangular, with 40 foot high ceilings that amplify the ambient sounds.

Orientation

The main entrance is on the south east side of the hall. The California and Baja Gallery is to the north, and the Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel is to the left.

Size

The hall is expansive, approximately 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. It provides ample space for large groups of people to gather and move around comfortably.

Sensory Characteristics

This gallery is narrower and more intimate compared to the Great Hall. The lighting is dimmer, creating a more focused atmosphere on the exhibits. You can hear the bubbling of water and the occasional call of sea creatures.

Type

Exhibit Gallery

Shape

The gallery follows a U-shaped pathway that curves around the Amber Forest exhibit. The gallery itself is a rectangle.

Orientation

It is on the north side of the main hall, or 12 o’clock from the main entrance.

Size

The pathway is narrow, about 10 feet wide, and the entire gallery spans approximately 80 feet in length when following the U-shaped path. The gallery is around 20 feet long and 50 feet wide.

Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel

Sensory Characteristics

The tunnel is filled with the sounds of water splashing and the playful calls of seals and sea lions. The air is cooler and more humid, enhancing the underwater experience. There are glass windows to the right and left and the light is dim. Find more information on this exhibit on page 9.

Type

Walkway

Shape

The tunnel is cylindrical, with curved viewing windows on both the right and left sides.

Orientation

The area goes from east to west and is to the west side of the main gallery. When standing at the main entrance, it is at 11 o’clock.

Size

The tunnel is about 50 feet long and 10 feet in diameter, providing a 360-degree view of the underwater environment.

Main Entrance

Sensory Characteristics

The main entrance is a glass double automatic French door with a fan blowing in the middle of the doors.

Type

Door

Shape

The doorway is a rectangle

Orientation

The main entrance is on the south east side of the main hall. It is about 10 feet from the eastern wall and is on the south wall.

Size

The doorway is about 20 feet wide. Between the double doors, there is about 10 feet. The double doors stick out 10 feet from the main hall.

Stairs

Sensory Characteristics

The wooden stairs have a wooden handrail to both the left and right. The stairs creak as people move up and down.

Type

Stairs

Shape

The stairwell is rectangular.

Orientation

When standing at the main entrance, the stairs are located about 30 feet to the right at 2 o’clock. They are after the Honda Blue Cavern exhibit on the other side of the hallway.

Size

The staircase is approximately 5 feet wide and 20 feet deep. There are two flights of stairs going up. Each flight has 9 steps.

Elevator

Sensory Characteristics

The elevator is enclosed, with a ding as the doors open. The buttons are tactile, with Braille markings for accessibility. The call pad is at 3 o’clock 4 feet off the floor about 1 foot to the right when facing the door.

Type

Elevator

Shape

The elevator is a rectangular box, with doors that slide open and closed.

Orientation

When standing at the main entrance, the elevator is located in a hallway at 9 o’clock, just before the Honda Blue Cavern exhibit to the left. The elevator is at 3 o’clock on the right side at the end of the hallway.

Size

The elevator is about 6 feet by 6 feet, comfortably fitting a small group of people or a wheelchair. The hallway to the elevator is about 8 feet wide and 10 feet long.

Honda Blue Cavern exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit is filled with the sounds of bubbling water and the occasional call of marine life. The air is cool and carries a slight scent of saltwater. The lighting is dim, with blue hues mimicking the depths of the ocean. It is a large round tank filled with flounders and jelly fish. More information can be found on page 7.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is a tall, cylindrical tank that looms up 28 feet high, and 10 feet in diameter giving a towering presence.

Orientation

It is at 10 o’clock from the main entrance, about 10 feet ahead and to the left. It is just past the elevator hall.

Size

The tank is 28 feet tall and has a diameter of about 10 feet, providing a large viewing area for visitors.

Amber Forest exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit features the sounds of water flowing and the rustling of kelp. The air is slightly humid, and the lighting is a mix of natural and artificial light to simulate the underwater environment. It is a large half-circle glass tank filled with amber sea grass and sea sponges. More information can be found on page 8.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

Half-circle.

Orientation

From the main entrance, the exhibit is at 11 o’clock. The flat side of the exhibit is facing the wall where the main entrance is at, and the rounded area is facing a path that curves around it. The flat back is blocked by a wall. It is in the California and Baja Gallery.

Size

The exhibit stretches along a U-shaped path, approximately 50 feet in length, with a width of about 10 feet.

Redondo Submarine Canyon exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit has the sounds of deep ocean currents and occasional marine life calls. The lighting is dim, with deep blue tones to simulate the submarine canyon environment. There are small white fish swimming in the tank.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a large viewing window.

Orientation

Located at 3 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 10 feet wide and 6 feet tall, providing a detailed view of the submarine canyon.

Southern California Kelp Forest exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit features the sounds of swaying kelp and marine life. The air is cool and slightly humid, with lighting that mimics sunlight filtering through water. There are small sharks swimming in this tank.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a tall viewing window to showcase the vertical growth of kelp.

Orientation

It is located at 2 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. It is after the Redondo Submarine Canyon exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is approximately 12 feet wide and 8 feet tall.

Southern Australia Kelp Forest exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit has the sounds of water movement and marine life. The lighting is bright, simulating the clear waters of Southern Australia. There are 2 tiger sharks in this tank. And a number of smaller snapper fish.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a wide viewing window.

Orientation

It is located at 1 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. It is after the Southern California Kelp Forest exhibit and is on the right side of the U shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 10 feet wide and 6 feet tall.

Spiny Lobsters exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit features the sounds of bubbling water and the occasional movement of lobsters. The lighting is dim, focusing on the lobsters. There are around 20 Maine lobsters.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a smaller, more focused viewing window.

Orientation

It is located at 12 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. Located after the Southern Australia Kelp Forest exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 5 feet wide and 4 feet tall.

Abalone exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit has the sounds of gentle water flow. The lighting is moderate, highlighting the abalone shells.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a small viewing window.

Orientation

It is located at 12:30 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. Located after the Spiny Lobsters exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 6 feet wide and 4 feet tall.

Breakwater exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit features the sounds of waves crashing against rocks. The lighting is bright, simulating a coastal environment. There are small crabs and oysters scattered through the rocks.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is rectangular, with a wide viewing window.

Orientation

It is located at 11 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. Located after the Abalone exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 10 feet wide and 6 feet tall.

Sea Jellies exhibit

Sensory Characteristics

The exhibit has the sounds of gentle water movement. The lighting is dim, with colorful lights illuminating the jellyfish.

Type

Aquarium Exhibit

Shape

The exhibit is cylindrical, with a 360-degree viewing area.

Orientation

It is located at 10 o’clock 10 feet across from the Amber Forest exhibit. Located after the Breakwater exhibit on the right side of the U-shaped path.

Size

The exhibit is about 8 feet in diameter and 6 feet tall.

U-shaped path

Sensory Characteristics

The U-shaped path is a narrow, winding corridor that guides visitors through various exhibits. The air here is cool and slightly humid, characteristic of an indoor aquarium environment. The lighting is dim, focusing on the exhibits, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere.

Type

Walkway

Shape

The path forms a U-shape, starting straight and then curving around the Amber Forest exhibit. Imagine the path as a horseshoe, with the open ends facing the beginning and the end of the journey. One end is 12 o’clock from the main entrance, and the other is 3 o’clock from the Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel.

Orientation

The Amber Forest exhibit remains on your left as you start walking. The path curves to the left, forming a U-shape. As you walk, you will encounter the following exhibits in order on your right: Redondo Submarine Canyon, Southern California Kelp Forest, Southern Australia Kelp Forest, Spiny Lobsters, Abalone, Breakwater, Sea Jellies, and Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel.

Size

The path is approximately 10 feet wide, which is rather narrow. The entire U-shaped section is about 50 feet in length from start to end.

Hall to the Elevator

Sensory Characteristics

The hall to the elevator is quieter and less crowded compared to the main exhibit areas. The air is still cool, and the lighting is slightly brighter to ensure visibility for those using the elevator.

Type

Walkway

Shape

The hall is straight and narrow, leading directly to the elevator. It is a rectangle.

Orientation

The hallway is at 9 o’clock immediately to the left of the main entrance.

Size

The hallway is about 8 feet wide and 10 feet long, providing just enough space for visitors to comfortably walk to the elevator.

Routes

Main entrance to the Outdoor Area

This route starts from the main entrance. This hallway is 30 feet wide. When you’re standing at the main entrance, the hallway to the elevator is the first thing you pass at 9 o’clock. Walk 8 feet, and the 10 foot wide Blue Cavern exhibit is the next item you pass at 9 o’clock. After you pass the Blue Cavern exhibit, the 5 foot wide stairs will be on your right at 3 o’clock. At 9 o’clock there is the Amber Forest exhibit on your left. You continue into the U-shaped Path Continuing forward with Amber Forest on your left. The narrow pathway curves into a U-shape around Amber Forest. As you walk this U-shaped path, Amber Forest will stay on your left as you sequentially come across exhibits on your right. You first pass the 10 foot long Redondo Submarine Canyon exhibit, 10 foot wide Southern California Kelp Forest exhibit, 10 foot wide Southern Australia Kelp Forest exhibit, 5 foot wide Spiny Lobsters exhibit, 6 foot wide Abalone exhibit, 8 foot wide Breakwater exhibit, and 8 foot wide Sea Jellies exhibits. Continuing past the Sea Jellies exhibits, the pathway straightens out for another 10 feet and at the end, it turns to the right. When you turn to the right, you will enter the 50 foot long Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel, with curved viewing windows on both the right and left. This cylindrical tunnel guides you out of the gallery, to the first floor outdoor exhibits of the aquarium.

Main entrance to the Elevator

When you enter the main entrance, take an immediate left (to your 9 o’clock) and walk strait down the hallway for ten feet. The elevator will be on your right (at 9 o’clock).

Main entrance to the Stairs

Walk 20 feet in from the main entrance. As you walk, you will pass the Blue Cavern exhibit at 9 o’clock on your left. Once the Blue Cavern exhibit ends, turn to your right (3 o’clock), and walk 30 feet to the stairs.

General Layout of the Space

If you’re standing in the center of the main hall:

  • Main entrance is at 4 o’clock 25 feet behind and 40 feet to the right.
  • Elevator tunnel is at 4 o’clock 24 feet behind and 20 feet to the right.
  • Elevator is at 4 o’clock 15 feet behind and 10 feet to the right.
  • Honda Blue Cavern exhibit goes from 4 o’clockto 3 o’clock 10 feet behind and 10 feet to the right.
  • The stairs are at 3 o’clock 50 feet right.
  • Amber Forest is at 12 o’clock right here and goes from 3 o’clock 25 feet to the left, 12 o’clock 10 feet ahead, to 9 o’clock 25 feet left.
  • Redondo Submarine Canyon exhibit is 3:30 o’clock 20 feet right.
  • Southern California Kelp Forest exhibit is located at 2 o’clock 10 feet ahead and 30 feet right.
  • Southern Australia Kelp Forest exhibit is located at 1 o’clock 20 feet ahead and 10 feet right.
  • Spiny Lobsters exhibit is located at 12 o’clock 20 feet ahead.
  • Abalone exhibit is located at 12:30 o’clock 20 feet ahead and 5 feet left.
  • Breakwater exhibit is located at 11 o’clock 20 feet ahead and 10 feet left.
  • Sea Jellies exhibit is located at 10 o’clock 10 feet ahead and 20 feet left.
  • The Seal and Sea Lion Underwater Viewing Tunnel is at 9 o’clock 20 feet left.
  • U-Shaped Path goes from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock 10 feet ahead.