Browsing by Subject "Dolphins"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Interactive architecture in marine environments(Texas Tech University, 1994-12) Rice, William DavidIn marine parks or aquatic zoos this approach, especially for larger animals, has received less attention. In small displays and tanks, the life of the coral reef has been recreated carefully in order to maintain a more natural balance among the reef inhabitants. Unfortunately the careful attention paid to these recreations has focused mainly on keeping these animals alive in a closed environment. The necessity of maintaining stringent controls over artificially created approximations to reality has informed designers and marine biologists of the importance of more natural settings. Although much attention has been paid to these small displays and meticulous effort has been undertaken in order to maintain them, the environments and display tanks for larger aquatic life still closely resemble the jail-like cages that once housed their land inhabiting counterparts. Many examples of the lack of concern for larger animals can be seen as early as the nineteenth century. In an effort to correct this oversight, this thesis will attempt to show the behavioral patterns and natural environment requirements of one such aquatic animal. Orcinus orca, better known as the killer whale, is a popular attraction at many marine parks and is the largest member of the dolphin family. Killer whales are typically displayed in large tanks that very closely resemble large swimming pools. These aquatic mammals are viewed through large acrylic windows placed just below the upper water level of the tank. Almost no effort has been made to show these creatures in their natural environment or to educate viewers on the importance of a healthy and biologically diverse marine environment.Item Interactive architecture in marine environments(Texas Tech University, 1994-12) Rice, William DavidDespite the number of aquarium environments designed in the past 50 years, little is known about the interaction of marine mammals and humans. We have concentrated on the technology required to keep these animals alive and ignored the behavioral requirements necessary for their well-adjusted existence. Facility planning relating to the education of the public, initiation of new research, and the protection of marine mammals has been thoroughly researched yet few aquariums have focused on the behavioral interaction between marine mammals and humans. In order to design a facility specifically for marine mammals, principally whales and dolphins, this thesis investigates those issues concerning the behavioral aspects of interaction between marine mammals and humans. Phase one of the research was a review of the literature on the behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans as well as a literature review on facilities planning and the management of aquariums designed for the purpose of research and education. Phase two of the research includes an examination of several existing aquariums to determine design criteria relating to behavioral issues, facility planning, and technological issues considered in the design of marine habitats for the housing of whales and dolphins. Site investigations include interviews with animal trainers, facilities maintenance personnel, education staff, and volunteer support staff. The aquariums studied included the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Vancouver National Aquarium. The behavioral research and site investigations were completed in order to design a facility to house dolphins which encompasses the behavioral interaction criteria found during the research phase of the project.