Aqua Dome

Aqua Dome is an ecological and educational architectural complex designed to respond to seasonal water variations in the unique environment of Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil. The site, characterized by shifting dunes and seasonal freshwater lagoons, inspired a design that embraces change and adapts to the natural hydrological cycle.



The project comprises a series of interconnected spherical domes, whose soft geometry mirrors the surrounding landscape. These domes host multiple programs, including an aquarium, environmental education center, exhibition zones, greenhouses, public plazas, and leisure spaces. Together, they form a cohesive destination for eco-tourism, learning, and recreation.



A central pathway meanders through the complex, guiding visitors across varied terrain and connecting interior and exterior zones. During the rainy season, lower plazas fill with water and function as reflective pools or seasonal outdoor aquatics; in the dry season, the same spaces transform into public courtyards and play areas. This dual functionality reflects the building’s dynamic relationship with its context.



Aqua Dome emphasizes fluid circulation, environmental awareness, and the interdependence between built form and nature. Its shell structures are designed for spatial continuity and structural efficiency, while also enhancing thermal performance and creating immersive viewing experiences of aquatic life.



The project aims to raise awareness of water ecology through direct interaction, offering both educational content and emotional resonance. It proposes a new typology of architecture that celebrates transformation, sustainability, and the poetic logic of natural systems—where architecture does not resist change, but grows and shifts with the rhythms of the environment.