Inside the SEA LIFE COEX Upgrade: A Technical Journey from Design to Delivery

The rebranding of SEA LIFE COEX in Seoul presented an exciting opportunity to redefine the visitor experience through thoughtfully designed aquarium displays and supporting systems. Our team was deeply involved throughout the process, translating the client’s vision into a series of custom-built tanks and technical solutions that aligned with the updated brand identity.

The client’s request was clear: create immersive, visually striking exhibits that could house a variety of marine life, including delicate jellyfish species and vibrant coral ecosystems. Jellyfish tanks were prioritized for their unique appeal and ability to offer guests a calming, almost ethereal encounter with marine life. Alongside these, saltwater and reef environments were essential to provide diverse habitats that supported both educational goals and conservation messaging.

Every display at SEA LIFE COEX was designed to align with the new global branding direction while meeting the functional needs of aquarists and animal care teams. Early phases involved:

  • Concept development in collaboration with SEA LIFE’s internal team.

  • Space planning to integrate new tanks into existing pathways.

  • Animal-focused engineering to ensure all displays met species-specific requirements.

  • Structural and mechanical design for filtration, access, and long-term operation.

Our design approach always balances aesthetics with performance. From visitor sightlines to filtration accessibility, we addressed every element with usability and durability in mind.

Concept Development

The initial phase of the project focused on concept development, where our team created detailed 3D visualizations to bring the client’s vision to life. This stage involved designing the overall layout of the tanks, incorporating theming elements, and simulating the visitor experience within the space. By digitally modeling the aquariums and surrounding décor, we were able to present realistic previews of how the exhibits would look and feel, allowing for early feedback and refinements. This collaborative process ensured that the aesthetic and storytelling goals aligned perfectly with SEA LIFE’s refreshed brand identity.

Technical Design

Following concept approval, we transitioned into the technical design phase, where the focus shifted to engineering and system functionality. Here, we developed detailed structural drawings, performed load calculations, and conducted water flow simulations to ensure the tanks would meet safety and operational standards. This phase also involved specifying life support systems, filtration components, lighting setups, and access points for maintenance. By integrating precise technical planning, we ensured that the final aquariums would be both visually stunning and highly reliable for long-term operation.

Filtration systems were custom-designed to meet the varying needs of each exhibit. Our solution incorporated mechanical filtration, protein skimmers, biological filtration, and UV sterilization to maintain optimal water quality. Energy efficiency and modularity were key priorities, allowing for simplified maintenance and future upgrades.

Lighting design was equally customized. Coral tanks were equipped with programmable LED systems capable of delivering the specific light spectrums necessary for photosynthesis and coral health. In contrast, jellyfish exhibits used softer, focused lighting to enhance their natural bioluminescence without causing stress.

  • During the technical design phase, detailed structural engineering analyses were conducted to guarantee the safety and durability of all large display tanks. This included precise calculations for acrylic panel thickness, framing support, and floor loads. Specialized software was used to simulate water flow within jellyfish kreisel tanks, ensuring gentle, laminar currents that keep these fragile animals suspended and healthy.

  • Manufacturing took approximately four months, involving the fabrication of acrylic tanks with complex shapes including spheres, donuts, cylinders, and large bow-front panels. Over twenty key components were sourced internationally, combining acrylic sheets and structural materials with specialized filtration and mechanical equipment.

  • Installation was a six-week effort involving a dedicated team of twelve specialists. Key tasks included plumbing the filtration systems, lifting and securing acrylic panels and themed elements, installing substrate and live rock, configuring lighting and control systems, and performing comprehensive system tests before introducing live animals.

Conclusion

This project at SEA LIFE COEX highlights our commitment to delivering complex, custom aquarium solutions that meet high standards for design, engineering, and animal care. By combining advanced technology with creative theming and careful planning, we helped SEA LIFE deliver a truly modern and immersive experience for visitors.