Storyland Studios, a global experience design and strategy firm, is collaborating with MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation to design a new pavilion at the Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay in The Bahamas.
The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center opened in April and serves as a base for biologists, scientists, students, and island visitors. The facility includes interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab, and a land-based coral nursery.
The Center is the base for the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme and also offers educational opportunities for guests to explore the significance of the marine ecosystem and the vital need to conserve coral reefs.
“This is the continuation of our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation, and we are glad to partner with Storyland Studios,” says Pierfrancesco Vago, chair, executive committee of the MSC Foundation.
“We warmly acknowledge Storyland Studios’ generosity in designing this signature pavilion for us. Their creativity and dedication will enhance the Marine Conservation Center’s role as an educational hub, inviting tens of thousands of Ocean Cay visitors each year to discover, learn, and engage with corals, while deepening their awareness of the urgency of coral conservation worldwide.”
“We are deeply aligned with the MSC Foundation’s vision to restore the balance between people and nature,” says Sean Featonby, director of business development at Storyland Studios.
“This isn’t just about building a facility; it’s about designing a beacon for ocean stewardship. Our goal is to create a space that emotionally connects every visitor to the urgency and beauty of marine conservation, empowering them to become advocates for our planet’s future.”
Design for good
The new pavilion will elevate the visitor experience and serve as an international focal point for the MSC Foundation’s mission to protect and nurture the blue planet. In developing the facility, Storyland will convert complex scientific work into captivating, accessible experiences that encourage guests, donors, and collaborators to engage in marine conservation.
Johnny Davis, senior creative director at Storyland Studios, says: “The MSC Foundation building at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve represents our Destination Development philosophy.
“Here, at the vital intersection of Cause and Commerce, we are crafting more than a building – we are giving form to a promise. Every path, every vista, every moment is designed to weave a compelling narrative that moves guests from passive observers to active stewards of our oceans.
“This is where inspiration meets action, creating a living destination that embodies conservation and empowers a global community of ocean guardians.”
Marie Rayner, director of project development and sustainability lead at Storyland Studios, says: “This is the perfect fusion of purpose and creativity. Our team is passionate about leveraging design for good, ensuring every element is rooted in sustainability and tells the authentic story of this precious environment and the efforts to protect it.”
Together with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University, The MSC Foundation has been working to develop the Super Coral Reefs Programme since 2020. Recently, this has focused on hardy species of coral at Ocean Cay and builds on MSC Cruises’ multi-year restoration of Ocean Cay’s marine ecosystem. The opening of the new Marine Conservation Center marks the acceleration of the Foundation’s efforts.
Last week, Storyland Studios shared insights into the power of landscape architecture from Rob Moffat, principal director of landscape and area development.
