MBARI ESB & Dune Restoration
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Expedition staging building & Dune restoration
Located amidst the coastal dunes of Moss Landing lies a precious habitat that supports rare and endangered species like the Monterey spine flower, Smith's blue butterfly, and legless lizards, amidst a diversity of dune vegetation. Enter the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), with a vision to expand their footprint sustainably in this delicate ecosystem. Turning to RANA for their renowned expertise in landscape architecture and ecological restoration, MBARI embarked on a transformative journey. Together, we crafted plans for their new 6,000 square foot Expedition Staging Facility, marking MBARI's first building project in over two decades.
Situated at the heart of the Monterey Bay, our interdisciplinary team approached the design of MBARI's Expedition Staging Building (ESB) with utmost care and consideration for the surrounding habitat. This facility serves as a hub for marine science and environmental research, facilitating the preparation of mobile data gathering platforms and instrumentation for deployment on research vessels. Embodying MBARI's ethos of environmental stewardship, our design not only catered to their operational needs but also championed the preservation and restoration of the adjacent coastal dunes.
Our endeavor extended beyond the confines of the ESB, encompassing a comprehensive plan for dune restoration and enhancement across three acres of coastline. Guided by a commitment to fostering self-sustaining habitats, our team collected site-specific seeds and cuttings, growing them to fruition at the RANA Nursery. The resulting restoration plan not only aims to revitalize the foredunes but also laid the groundwork for long-term ecological resilience, allowing for a self-sustaining habitat post-implementation.
Images courtesy of Flad Architects
LOCATION
Moss Landing, CA
CLIENT
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI)
TEAM
Flad Architects
COMPLETED
2022