Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral

Port Canaveral, FL

Details
Exhibits covering 12,000 years of regional history
Visitor orientation, auditorium, multipurpose/special event space, gift shop, café
Seventh floor observation deck with panoramic views
First phase of the Canaveral Cove redevelopment
Owner
Canaveral Port Authority
Services
Master Planning, Fundraising Materials, Cost Estimating, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration, Building Information Modeling

The iconic new Exploration Tower at Port Canaveral expresses the common characteristics—transience, function, and imagery—of Brevard County’s many stories: cruising, the space coast, the military, nature, and beaches.  

 

The building’s dynamic form and features—sun louvers, exposed structure, and iridescent skin—contribute to a constant sense of movement as the sun plays across the structure, meet functional needs, and evoke imagery of the Port and County. A rocket ready to launch, a surfboard in the sand, a ship’s hull, a rocket contrail: all can be seen in the structure’s striking presence.

“Wow. People will want to go see this. ... Plus they’ll want to see our other treasures on the Space Coast. It should boost the whole tourist industry.”

—Jerry Allender, Secretary/Treasurer, Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners

“From its unique shape that looks like the bow of a ship rising mid-point out of the earth, to the amazing view from the seventh floor observation deck of all the activities on-going within the confines of the port, it’s hard to be concise about all it offers. It’s so impressive.”  

—Visitor Comment, Trip Advisor

Inside, exhibits occupy every floor and are experienced by ascending through the building, culminating with panoramic views from an exterior observation deck where visitors can observe both natural and man-made objects moving through air and water surrounding the site.