search
  • This Aquatic Gallery In Ahmedabad Science City Is A Gateway To Marine Wonders | 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-acre 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.

    Editor’s Note: “Just like waves unfolding in ocean, the spiral form of this aquatic gallery mimics with the rhythm of nature. Through steel and glass flows light like sunlight through water, illuminating an unseen world. Beneath this sweeping canopy, marine wonders come alive, guiding visitors through an immersive journey of discovery.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

    This Aquatic Gallery In Ahmedabad Science City Is A Gateway To Marine Wonders | INI Design Studio

    aquatic gallery

    Design Inspiration

    The design of the gallery is inspired by the intricate and harmonious forms in nature, the spiraling, mysterious galaxies, and the exquisitely proportioned shells found along the Gujarat coast.

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery

    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.

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery

    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.

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery
    aquatic gallery

    Steel and Glass Canopy

    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.

    aquatic gallery

    aquatic gallery

    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 as well as other natural calamities.

    The Aquatic Gallery showcases 71% of Earth’s surface at an average depth of 3.5 km. Moreover, it features an underwater viewing walkway, multi-level viewing gallery, interpretation centre, & a monumental water-world map floor mural. Furthermore, 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. Additionally, laboratories and quarantine areas facilitate regular checkups and testing.

    The lower level houses the exhibits, keeping most of the water loads at ground level within a controlled environment.

    The taller southern side self-shades portions of the building at all times. Additionally, service areas along the perimeter insulate the aquariums from direct heat, enhancing operational efficiency.

    Exterior Facade

    The exterior utilizes exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks, metal and glass. Thus, creating an insulated envelope. High-performance, low-e glazing systems, and intelligent automation curtail 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. Additionally, rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse and efficient plumbing fixtures raise the sustainability quotient.

    Fact File

    Designed by: INI Design Studio

    Project Type: Museum / Science & Edutainment Center, Aquarium, Aqua Gallery

    Project Name: Aquatic Gallery

    Location: Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

    Year Built: December 2021

    Built Area: 1,50,000 Sq.ft

    Principal Architects: Jayesh Hariyani 

    Photograph Courtesy: Vinay Panjwani

    Project Mentor/Director: Adi Mistri

    The Project Director: 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

    Firm’s Website Link: INI Design Studio

    The Firm’s Instagram Link: INI Design Studio

    Firm’s Facebook Link: INI Design Studio

    For Similar Project >>> Goal of The Regional Science Center is to Bring Science to People’s Doorstep

    Nestled In An Ecological Environment, Eden Moss Tells A Story Of Purity | Urbane Ivy

    “Even within the smallest green lies all the purity and freshness of Eden.” This idea became the seed for Eden Moss, a home nestled in an ecological environment and imagined as a breath of freshness, evoking the scent of mud after rain, and seamlessly intertwined with nature while still embracing comfort and contextual charm. Nestled […]

    Read More

    Layered Architecture Brings Out The Cultural Memory Of The Client’s Vision | Tales of Design Studio

    In Tiruppur’s industrial heartland, where the rhythm of textile mills sets the tone, the layered architecture in this Villa offers a quiet counterpoint. Shaped by stillness, proportion, and cultural memory, the home reflects the clients’ vision for a contemplative retreat. Set on a square plot within a gridded residential layout, the residence embraces architectural restraint […]

    Read More

    Sanctum Is A Home Within Nature, Built With Nature | ma+rs

    Nestled in what was once a coconut orchard, Sanctum serves as a sanctuary for a retired couple. Their daughter & a feline companion join them to offer a tranquil environment for everyday goings-on. The site is a 60’ x 90’ portion of land with six coconut trees. Two teak wood & silver oak trees, each […]

    Read More

    Openness In Structure And Spirit Is The Soul Of This Urban Home | Archemist Architects

    Tucked into the calm, tree-lined lanes of Nagarbhavi in Bangalore, Avani Residence rises as a poetic response to the chaos of the city, a vertical sanctuary where light dances, materials breathe, and space unfolds in gentle rhythms. Designed by Archemist Architects for a family of four, the residence is a nuanced interplay between constraint and […]

    Read More

    This Bespoke Cafe Is A Bold Experiment In Layered Raw Textures And Sculpted Forms | UrbanNest Design Studio

    The designers envision Asterix Café as a flagship destination that challenges café design conventions. While coffee culture often associates with warm, pastel tones, Asterix dares to be different by embracing darkness as its defining aesthetic. Designed by UrbanNest Design Studio, the bespoke cafe is a bold experiment in creating a multi-functional, community centric space where […]

    Read More

    This Home With An Earthen Design Opens Out To Lush Farms Outside And Cosy Interiors Inside | Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio

    Adorn, a home filled with earthen design and the laughter of a family of four, nestles in the peaceful neighborhood of Selvapuram, Coimbatore. “On one side, it shares boundaries with cozy family homes; meanwhile, the other side opens to expansive fields dotted with tall trees.” The fresh air scented with greenery sets a calming atmosphere […]

    Read More

    Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects

    Situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Anandvan residence beautifully embodies biophilic design, fostering a deep connection with nature through its thoughtful integration of outdoor and indoor spaces through open courtyards. Open Courtyards And A Biophilic Design Connect The Outdoors With The Indoors | R+R Architects Location The location and surroundings played a significant role in determining the […]

    Read More

    The Chair Affair | India’s Iconic Furniture Design Competition 2025

    What if the simplest object in your home could turn into a design icon? Tectona Grandis Furniture and The Architects’ Diary come together to introduce the Chair Affair. This is India’s first-of-its-kind furniture design competition that dares architects and designers across India to rethink the most essential piece of furniture – the Chair. Beyond function, […]

    Read More

    This Kindergarten School In Mysore Is Redefining Classrooms By Opening Into The Nature | Baya Studios

    In a calm and serene residential area of Mysore, a 10,000 sq. ft. site with mature mango and coconut trees set the stage for Eden Kindergarten school. One half of the land was already occupied by an existing block, while the other half was shaded by the canopy of old trees. Instead of altering this […]

    Read More

    Farmhouse Designs in India: 15 Inspiring Styles To Know

    The Indian farmhouse accommodation goes on to capitalize on a mature evolutionary synthesis of ancestral aesthetics and contemporary features. With this, the outside and the inside of farmhouses became places of comfort with nature. In this blog, we delve into 15 incredible farmhouse designs that entail a harmonious blending. While they exhibit different spaces in […]

    Read More
  • The Tranquil House Offers A Pause With Japanese and Scandinavian Design | 100 Ants Design Studio

    Magari Brings Timeless Craftsmanship to Modern Interiors