Cyber Week: Get 35% off Dwell with promo code WEEK35
SubscribeSign In
Project posted by INI Design Studio

Aquatic Gallery at Science City

View 39 Photos
The primary inspiration is drawn from the nautilus, a marine mollusc belonging to a unique class of cephalopod molluscs
The primary inspiration is drawn from the nautilus, a marine mollusc belonging to a unique class of cephalopod molluscs
The form not only pays homage to the beauty of the natural world but also serves as a practical blueprint for creating spaces that seamlessly expand and evolve
The form not only pays homage to the beauty of the natural world but also serves as a practical blueprint for creating spaces that seamlessly expand and evolve
The design of the Aquatic Gallery is inspired by the intricate and harmonious forms of Nature
The design of the Aquatic Gallery is inspired by the intricate and harmonious forms of Nature
The form is inspired by the spiralling, mysterious structures of galaxies and exquisitely proportioned shells found abundantly along Gujarat coast
The form is inspired by the spiralling, mysterious structures of galaxies and exquisitely proportioned shells found abundantly along Gujarat coast
Exposed RCC exterior surfaces impart a dynamic visual quality, with shadow interplays on the façade & openings resembling fish gills
Exposed RCC exterior surfaces impart a dynamic visual quality, with shadow interplays on the façade & openings resembling fish gills
Curved fins with 3D slope designed to match the form-finished walls in look and feel
Curved fins with 3D slope designed to match the form-finished walls in look and feel
The fins were built using Shera boards mounted over metal frames and finished with terracotta
The fins were built using Shera boards mounted over metal frames and finished with terracotta
A steel & glass canopy, like a cantilevered petal, amplifies the entrance's appeal
A steel & glass canopy, like a cantilevered petal, amplifies the entrance's appeal
Through subsidized & free visits for children the project fulfils a social responsibility to promote education & environmental consciousness
Through subsidized & free visits for children the project fulfils a social responsibility to promote education & environmental consciousness
The finish and colour of the exterior was achieved using a combination of white cement, grey cement, GGBS, and admixtures
The finish and colour of the exterior was achieved using a combination of white cement, grey cement, GGBS, and admixtures
The exterior utilizes exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks, metal and glass
The exterior utilizes exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks, metal and glass
The glass along the public and support areas allows natural daylight into the building
The glass along the public and support areas allows natural daylight into the building
The external RCC walls of the building are curved as well as inclined at an angle of 80.5 degrees
The external RCC walls of the building are curved as well as inclined at an angle of 80.5 degrees
An insulated envelope and high-performance low emissivity glazing system curtail energy consumption
An insulated envelope and high-performance low emissivity glazing system curtail energy consumption
The 27.5m diameter central atrium is crowned with a steel deck slab, providing a multipurpose space from where the galleries emanate
The 27.5m diameter central atrium is crowned with a steel deck slab, providing a multipurpose space from where the galleries emanate
The atrium features a monumental water world map floor mural, showcasing various oceans along with an orientation audio-visual show
The atrium features a monumental water world map floor mural, showcasing various oceans along with an orientation audio-visual show
The circular, segmented, spiral organization of galleries allows visitors to engage in a choreographed narrative, linked to the building's organic form
The circular, segmented, spiral organization of galleries allows visitors to engage in a choreographed narrative, linked to the building's organic form
A clear 28m long underwater acrylic tunnel stretching across the shark tank, providing visitors with an immersive experience and views of aquatic species and coral reefs
A clear 28m long underwater acrylic tunnel stretching across the shark tank, providing visitors with an immersive experience and views of aquatic species and coral reefs
Visitors are treated to an engaging sensory experience of the underwater world
Visitors are treated to an engaging sensory experience of the underwater world

19 more photos

Details

Square Feet
150000

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Interior Design
Landscape Design
Photographer
Vinay Panjwani, India
Awards
International Aesthetic Design Competition (IADC2024) Turkey - Honor Mentions
The Geevees Award – 2024
American Concrete Institution (ACI) (India Chapter) Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards - 2022
The Construction World Architect and Builder (CWAB) - Best Architecture Firm – 2020 (National)
Public Bid Excellence Awards - Best Company of The Year – 2019 (Services)
Public Bid Excellence Awards - Best Company in Excellence - 2019 (Services)
Public Bid Excellence Awards - Best Company in Innovation -2019 (Services)
India’s Best Design Studio Awards (IBDA)- 2017 (Spatial Design) Indi Design - an international design magazine from India

From INI Design Studio

In this emerging environment of knowledge-driven economic growth, it is imperative to inculcate a scientific temper in the community. The Gujarat Council of Science City, established by the Government of Gujarat, has developed the Aquatic Gallery to realize this vision. This 5th generation facility, part of the sprawling 200 acres Ahmedabad Science city, is India’s largest and first planned public inland aquarium, catering to the vision of edutainment. Attracting more than 1 million people annually, the Gallery is designed to bridge the gap between formal science education and the community at large.

The design of the Gallery is inspired by the intricate and harmonious forms in Nature; the spiralling, mysterious galaxies and the exquisitely proportioned shells found along the Gujarat coast. The primary inspiration is the nautilus, a marine mollusc, which has a beautifully segmented and spiralled shell, formed by a series of interconnected chambers, arranged in a precise and geometrically progressive manner.

A metaphor for the interconnectedness of science, the dynamic evolution of knowledge, and the continuous exploration of the universe, the circular, segmented and spiral organization of the viewing galleries, allows seamless movement through spaces of increasing size and continuity. A steel and glass canopy, resembling a cantilevered petal, amplifies the entrance's appeal, while the 27.5m diameter central atrium, crowned with a steel deck slab, provides a multipurpose space from where the galleries emanate; its form rises at the centre of the spiral, reaching upward for light through clerestory windows.

The exposed RCC exterior surfaces impart a dynamic visual quality, including shadow interplays on the façade, with openings resembling the gills of a fish. Visitors are treated to an engaging sensory experience, enhanced by well-integrated lighting, AV technology, projections, interactive features & environmental graphics. Both form & detailing prioritize structural stability & resilience against seismic activities & other natural calamities.

The Aquatic Gallery showcases 71% of Earth’s surface at an average depth of 3.5 km, featuring an underwater viewing walkway, multi-level viewing gallery, interpretation centre, & a monumental water-world map floor mural. The 72 exhibit tanks house 12,000 fishes of 180 species, native to various regions and categorized into zones. The life support systems (LSS) provide precise water parameters, including salinity, pH, & TDS levels, chemical oxygen, etc. Laboratories and quarantine areas facilitate regular checkup and testing. The exhibits are housed on the lower level, enabling most of the water loads to remain at ground level within a controlled environment.

The taller southern side self-shades portions of the building at all times, & service areas along the perimeter insulate the aquariums from direct heat, enhancing operational efficiency. The exterior utilizes exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks, metal and glass, creating an insulated envelope. High-performance, low-e glazing system, and intelligent automation, curtails energy consumption, while solar rooftop panels harness renewable energy. The centralized Chilled Water Energy Efficient System saves 90 tons of cooling, while Integrated Building Management Systems (IBMS) compatibility is maintained through RS-485 equipped meters. Rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse and efficient plumbing fixtures raise the sustainability quotient.


Lead Design Consortium Member - INI Design Studio
Design Consortium Member - Kling Consult GmbH & Co.
Interior Designing - INI Design Studio
MEPF Engineering - INI Infrastructure & Engineering
Life Support System Design - INI Infrastructure & Engineering
Landscape Designing - INI Design Studio
Structural Engineering - Ducon Consultant Pvt. Ltd.
AV/IT Engineering - T2 Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
Exhibit Designing - Lemon Design Pvt. Ltd.
Irrigation & Water Body Designing - Integrated Flow tech Pvt Ltd
Façade Designing - Façade Engineering Services
Prime Contractor - Shaporji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd.
Marine Contractor - Marinescape Limited