The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC) – the developer behind The Red Sea Project, one of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism projects – unveiled the “Marine Life Institute” design, by Foster + Partners.

Composed of three levels (one above ground and two below), the institute will serve as a scientific research center and a tourist destination, hosting up to 650 people at one time and offering panoramic views of the Red Sea and multidimensional experiences, which promise to combine education and adventure.

Set within AMAALA, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, on the waterfront of Triple Bay, the 10,340 square meter project is inspired by the Red Sea’s thriving coral formations. The glass-reinforced concrete used to build it will be in fact intricately molded to resemble reef patterns. Furthermore, the building will also host one of the world’s largest man-made reefs, measuring 40 meters long and 10 meters deep.

More than 40% of the site will be covered by native plants, and a system to collect runoff water will prevent erosion and reduce pollution, as well as water consumption.