Rather, it creates an interest to see other aquariums with differing themes. To paraphrase Peter Chermayeff of Cambridge Seven, the most noteworthy of aquarium designers for three decades, each aquarium must have an individual theme and purpose. Mr. Chermayeff is the designer of the New England Aquarium, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Chattanooga Aquarium, Osaka Ring of Fire and a host of other highly successful projects around the world. The New Bedford Aquarium has such an individual theme and it is located within an area that can supply the required infrastructure support. It is notable that Mr. Chermayeff has long been a supporter of this project and his expertise has validity more recognizable than the opinion of Mr. Mahtesian.
Businesses fail or succeed based on their recognition of customer demand.
That is a constant with projects that are designed for public consumption, be it Plimouth Plantation, Williamsburg, Disneyland or the No. 1 attraction in New England, Boston's Museum of Science. It is incumbent on the designers of a project to maintain a flow of fresh ideas and exhibits to re-attract an established base clientele. It is also good project design to create an interactive project with public participation, than a passive project that one ogles with wonder one time. It has always been the intention of the Board of Directors of the Aquarium Corp. to build a New Bedford Aquarium, not an aquarium in New Bedford. It has likewise been the intention of the board to build a world-class facility.