Tela Del Mar
Tela Del Mar
Tela Del Mar stands as a harmonious fusion of architecture, ecology, and tourism, positioned on the coastline of Isla Mujeres as a gateway to the underwater marvels of MUSA
(Museo Subacuático de Arte). Designed to coexist with the marine life of Cancun’s vibrant waters, this immersive structure offers an unparalleled experience while contributing to vital conservation efforts. As the entry point to MUSA, Tela Del Mar provides docking facilities for divers and visitors, seamlessly integrating functionality with a deep respect for the surrounding ecosystem. The platform features the Wavesphere, a cutting-edge, oxygenated submersible capsule that allows two individuals at a time to safely explore the marine environment and the submerged sculptures of the museum. Beyond its role as a tourist hub, Tela Del Mar is a beacon of ecological stewardship, housing an expansive substructure engineered to support coral growth and biodiversity. This framework aids in the restoration of Cancun’s coral reefs, while an on-site laboratory nurtures juvenile corals until they are ready to be transplanted onto the ocean floor. Inspired by the flowing forms of the sea and the organic geometries of coral reefs, Tela Del Mar’s sculptural design merges seamlessly with its surroundings, offering a visual celebration of the region’s natural beauty. Tela Del Mar transforms Isla Mujeres into a landmark destination where architecture, conservation, and tourism intersect, providing a vision of how humanity can coexist with and protect the wonders of the natural world.
The platform’s multi-level design provides diverse vantage points for visitors, with each level equipped with its own Wavesphere, allowing an immersive yet secure underwater exploration experience. The structure’s dynamic form facilitates docking from multiple levels, enhancing accessibility while harmonizing with the natural ebb and flow of the ocean. Inspired by the resilience of kelp, Tela Del Mar is anchored to the seabed with a robust system that mimics the anchoring mechanisms of these aquatic plants. Like kelp, which withstands powerful ocean currents by securing itself to the ocean floor, Tela Del Mar remains stationary while allowing controlled movement with the water. This anchoring system extends into the coral lattice substructure, not only stabilizing the platform but also supporting coral growth and marine biodiversity. By drawing from nature’s resilience, Tela Del Mar embodies an innovative approach to architectural design that respects and enhances its marine context.
At the core of Tela Del Mar’s immersive experience is the Wavesphere, an oxygenated submersible capsule inspired by the underwater spider, which ingeniously submerges a bubble of air to breathe below the surface. This natural phenomenon influenced the capsule’s design, creating a self-sustaining environment for underwater exploration. The spherical shape was intentionally chosen for its ability to provide uninterrupted, panoramic views; free from obstructive corners, the capsule ensures a seamless visual connection with the surrounding marine environment. As the Wavesphere descends through the Coral Lattice structure, visitors are immersed in the vibrant biodiversity of MUSA’s waters, witnessing corals thriving alongside the architecture. The capsule’s high-grade rotating glass further enhances this experience, offering dynamic perspectives that culminate in a full 360-degree view of the ocean floor.
The Coral Lattice forms nearly half of Tela Del Mar, serving as both a functional and ecological centerpiece of the structure. Designed to support the repopulation of corals and marine biodiversity, the Coral Lattice addresses the urgent need to restore the region’s declining
marine ecosystems. Its unique, organic form is both purposeful and versatile, extending across Tela Del Mar to maximize surface area for coral growth while creating multiple descent points for the Wavesphere. This design offers visitors varying perspectives from each capsule as they travel through the underwater structure. Divers, the primary users of this space, are invited to explore the lattice as it becomes a living habitat, with corals and marine life finding refuge within its intricate network. To preserve and protect this delicate ecosystem, the Wavesphere is engineered to navigate the Coral Lattice without making direct contact with its thinner, vine-like membranes where corals flourish. Instead, the capsule attaches exclusively to the robust anchoring systems, ensuring minimal disturbance to the growing marine habitat. This thoughtful integration of design and ecology highlights Tela Del Mar’s commitment to blending human exploration with environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, Tela Del Mar embodies the essence of Cancun, weaving together its vibrant culture, thriving tourism, and rich biodiversity into a singular, immersive experience. Addressing each of these defining aspects, Tela Del Mar becomes an extension of Cancun itself, aligning seamlessly with the city’s aspirations and values. By tackling the challenges of environmental restoration, sustainable tourism, and cultural celebration, Tela Del Mar amplifies and nurtures the most vital elements of the region, ensuring their growth and preservation for generations to come.
