Discovery Orange County Third Phase – Biosphere wins Outstanding Design

Discovery Orange County Third Phase – Biosphere wins Outstanding Design

We are proud to share that Discovery Orange County Third Phase – Biosphere been recognized with an Outstanding Design Award by American School & University Architectural Portfolio. Discovery Cube – Orange County (DCOC) had a successful 2^nd addition 12 years ago, now it’s ready for a biosphere expansion. The conceptual design introduces an iconic Discovery Sphere at the north end of the campus, creating a visual bookend to the existing Discovery Cube.

The 41,000 sq. ft. expansion provides three floors of exhibit spaces and over 6,000 sq. ft. of support spaces. The sphere will have a lightweight geodesic frame with a skin of composite aluminum panels at the first, second, and part of the third floor, topped with translucent panels.

The ground floor is dedicated to oceanic exhibits featuring a 64 ft. diameter, 15 ft. tall, 360,000-gallon capacity ocean exhibit tank surrounded by interactive touch tanks. The second floor is a 12,000 sq. ft. flexible clear-span exhibit space able to accommodate traveling exhibits. The third floor is a 11,000 sq. ft. immersive biosphere exhibit topped with translucent panels. The mirror glass surface create a dynamic environment by maximizing natural light, improving spatial quality, and establishing a memorable architectural identity

This recognition highlights the innovative vision and design that went into creating this iconic project. We are honored to contribute to an expanding community that supports artistic expression and curiosity among youth while strengthening community engagement through science education.