Storyland studios to design a new pavilion within the msc foundation’s flagship bahamian marine conservation center.
Storyland Studios, a global destination and experience design firm today announced a partnership with MSC Cruises and the MSC Foundation to design a new iconic building at the Marine Conservation Center on Ocean Cay in The Bahamas.
The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Center, inaugurated in April this year, is a base for biologists, scientists, students and island visitors. It features interactive pavilions, a lecture hall, a Bio Lab and a land-based coral nursery.
This research facility also provides educational opportunities for visitors on the importance of the marine ecosystem and the critical need to protect coral reefs, while also being the hub for the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Reefs Programme.
The new Pavilion will serve to enhance guest experience as a global hub for the MSC Foundation’s mission to protect and nurture the blue planet. Storyland will apply its design expertise to create a facility that inspires visitors, donors, and partners to engage in marine conservation, transforming complex scientific work into compelling, accessible experiences.
“The MSC Foundation building at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve represents our Destination Development philosophy,” said Johnny Davis, Senior Creative Director at Storyland Studios. “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.”
“We are deeply aligned with the MSC Foundation’s vision to restore the balance between people and nature,” said 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.”
“This is the perfect fusion of purpose and creativity,” said Marie Rayner, Director of Project Development and Sustainability Lead at Storyland Studios. “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.”
Pierfrancesco Vago, Chair, Executive Committee of the MSC Foundation added: “This is the continuation of our multigenerational commitment to ocean conservation, and we are glad to partner with Storyland Studios. 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”.
About the Super Coral Reefs Programme
The MSC Foundation began collaborating with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in 2020 to develop the Super Coral Reefs Programme through Florida-based graduate internships in marine science. Since 2022, we have been focusing on identifying hardy species of coral at Ocean Cay, conducting research in accordance with parameters of permits authorised by The Bahamas Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, and propagating such types of coral species, mainly focusing on critically endangered elkhorn coral.
The work builds upon MSC Cruises’ multi-year restoration of Ocean Cay’s marine ecosystem, which began when the company started redeveloping the former sand-mining site. The 64 square miles of waters around the island have since flourished. With the opening of the new Marine Conservation Center, the Foundation is scaling up its efforts.
Among the Super Coral Reefs Programme’s successes to date:
- Identifying high thermal resilience in some genetic populations of corals, focusing on critically endangered Elkhorn coral.
- Developing techniques to grow corals in open-water nurseries.
- Successful start to outplanting resilient corals, aiming to increase outplanting capacity over the coming years to 6000 corals annually.
- 100% survival of nursery-grown corals during the unprecedented marine heatwave of summer 2023.
About Storyland Studios
Storyland Studios is a full-service destination and experience design firm with offices in the U.S. and Europe. We imagine, design, and create immersive experiences and environments that lift the spirit. Our executive leadership and team include alumni from The Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar Animation Studios, Universal Studios, and LEGOLAND®—all passionate about creating immersive storytelling experiences that shape culture and connect with people on an emotional level.
www.storylandstudios.com
About MSC Foundation
The MSC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of MSC Group. Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility for the planet and its resources, particularly the oceans, the Foundation works to restore the critical balance between people and nature. It utilizes MSC’s global reach and unique knowledge of the sea to take immediate action through environmental conservation, humanitarian relief, education, and sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Discover more: www.mscfoundation.org
About MSC Cruises
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.
A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.
For more information visit: https://www.msccruises.com/int
Contact
RCA PR I Marie Piton I marie.piton@rcapr.be I +32 473 23 82 78
MSC Cruises Benelux I Wim Willems I wim.willems@msccruises.be I +32 472 02 06 83