Science City Aquatic Gallery Ahmedabad design, Northern Indian architecture images

Science City Aquatic Gallery in Ahmedabad

29 August 2024

Architect: INI Design Studio

Location: Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Photos by Mr. Vinay Panjwani

Science City Aquatic Gallery, India

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.

Science City Aquatic Gallery in Ahmedabad – Building Information

Architect: INI Design Studio – https://www.inidesignstudio.com/
Completion Status : December 2021
Plot Size: 10,000 sq. m.
Built Area: 13935 sq. m.
Project Location: Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Program / Use / Building Function: Museum / Science & Edutainment Center, Aquarium, Aqua Gallery
Client: Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat Council of Science City

Project Mentor (Over all) – Jayesh Hariyani
Project Mentor/Director (Over all) – Adi Mistri
Project Director (over all) – Rakhi Rupani
Project Director (Design) – Saumil Mevada
Sr. Project Manager – Bhargav A Bhavsar
Project Architect – Viresha Hariyani
Project Director (MEPF Eng.) – Parth Joshi
Senior Electrical Eng. – Nirav Shah

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 – Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd.
Marine Contractor – Marinescape Limited

Photography: Mr. Vinay Panjwani

Science City Aquatic Gallery, Ahmedabad images / information received 290824

Location: Ahmedabad, India, South Asia

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