The process of designing a research and public information center related to aquatic ecology should involve the following components: (1) The formation of a design 'team' whose key members are an aquatic ecologist and an architect, (2) education of the 'team' and development of communication between the scientist and architect, (3) location of a site, (4) definition of the functional objectives of the facility, and (5) prescription of functional relationships and space needs for the various parts of the facility. An example of the design process is provided and this includes a discussion of planning rationale, sketches of functional relationships, schematic building elevations, cross section and floor plan, and an architectural rendering. The present status of design for freshwater facilities in briefly reviewed and the need for new concepts to meet the present and future requirements of aquatic ecologists is emphasized. (Author)