Colorado’s Ocean Journey Aquarium was strategically sited on the banks of the Platte River on an 18 acre infill site of previously abandoned land. The design of the site not only activates the river as a destination, but also re-activates the natural functions of the river’s edge as a viable habitat and as a natural bio-filter. The idea of re-creating wetlands emerged from the need to dispose of up to 14,000 gallons of water from the aquarium’s fresh water tanks and from the building roof and site. An overlay of stairs, ramps, walks, plazas, vegetation and sculpture create a plaza and amphitheater near the building standing in juxtaposition to the wetland environments.