New England Aquarium Quincy Facility Team Space
Scope
New Construction
Location
Quincy, MA
Design Team
Susi Sanchez, Samantha Lukacs
Completed
2025
Structural
Thorton Tomasetti
Contractor
Kaplan Construction
Photographer
Jane Messinger
The New England Aquarium’s Quincy Rescue Facility is dedicated to the rehabilitation of marine life, but until recently lacked a centralized space for staff to gather.
Critical work happens there every day: rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles, stingrays, fish, and other marine life. The 24,000-square-foot industrial warehouse holds exam rooms, quarantine tanks, and labs — but until recently, it lacked a proper space for staff to meet, recharge, and collaborate.
​
The new break room and conference space fills that need, designed with both function and inspiration in mind.
The result is a small but impactful addition: a flexible hub that supports teamwork and provides staff with a welcoming place to gather.
Before: The staff break room was a practical setup awaiting a permanent solution.
Flexible and Efficient
Built on a lean budget, the space was designed to serve as both a conference room and a break room. Modular furniture allows it to flex between board meetings, staff lunches, and informal gatherings.
Think Tank
The form and materials take cues from both the language and the animal tanks, creating a space that feels connected to the Aquarium's mission.
Industrial Exterior, Welcoming Interior
Wrapped in corrugated metal echoeing its warehouse setting, the structure is bold blue outside and bright, welcoming within.
