#UPCPRIDE: Graduate of the School of Architecture develops a coral conservation project in Australia

One of the latest projects developed by Rafael Contreras, graduate of the School of Architecture from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), and his company, Contreras Earl Architecture, is Living Coral Biobank. This project conducted in collaboration with leading engineering and sustainability consultants, Arup and Werner Sobek, will be the first facility in the world dedicated to coral conservation. It has a unique typology focused on guaranteeing the survival of 800 endangered coral species

This «living ark» is located at the Great Barrier Reef entrance in Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia. The Australian organization with the same name, Great Barrier Reef Legacy (that has devoted more than 35 years to preserving and protecting the Great Barrier Reef corals), together with great scientists and educators, helped develop this flagship project.

Living Coral Biobank will be a worldwide benchmark in the design of next-generation renewable energy because its innovative design and engineering will create optimal conditions for coral storage, minimizing electricity consumption and making the most of solar energy.

In this 73,517 square-feet (6,830 m²) building, the public will be able to see living coral reefs in aquarium exhibitions and a «science theater,» where coral experts may be seen performing their daily activities. Exhibitions and events will be organized to interpret and teach future visitors. In addition, it will have an auditorium, classrooms, showrooms, as well as advanced research facilities and laboratories in four floors. The approximate cost of the project is 70 million dollars.

«Our aspiration is to create a beacon for environmental awareness as well. A center for hope, learning, and amazement center,» said Rafael Contreras, UPC alumnus.