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
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.
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 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.
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
“Viraam,” a 4000 sq ft house design that embodies its literal translation: “a pause.” The vision is to create a sanctuary for relaxation, introspection, and to escape from the constant demands of daily life – an urban void for personal retreat. This 4000 sq ft House Design Unfolds Calm Lifestyle | Avani Mudra Design Reimagining […]
The facade of this Indian contemporary house design strikes a careful balance between solids and voids, with sculpted forms that reveal the inner workings of the space. The design plays with light and shadow, creating visual depth and intrigue from the exterior. The form resembles a cuboid that has been scooped out, while the outer […]
This 5 storey building takes inspiration from ancient haveli architecture. “Hailing from north India, the family held deep nostalgia for haveli, large residences with communal courtyards called chowks, projecting balconies called jharokhas and intricate brick or stone lattice screens called jaalis, vernacular to many western and northern regions of India,” said SJK Architects partner Vaishali […]
Set in the serene landscape of Nashik, the Dabholkar Residence by GDA is a home, embracing stone clad walls. Here, tradition and contemporary design exist in harmony. Designed to reflect the family’s deep connection to tradition and art while embracing the style of contemporary living, it is a space where architectural details, heritage furniture, artwork […]
This remodelling project aimed to revitalise a load-bearing house while respecting its original integrity and adapting it to contemporary needs. The design approach prioritised minimal structural intervention, allowing the existing framework to guide spatial reconfiguration. Careful consideration was given to preserving the load-bearing walls, which formed the backbone of the original construction. Openings were strategically […]
Redefining Indian temple architecture, the relocation of the existing shrine due to a new residential project presented an opportunity to design a space that seamlessly integrates tradition with contemporary needs. The given 400 sq. ft. site was envisioned not merely as a shrine to Lord Datta, a local deity, but as a vibrant community space, […]
Nestled within a 30×40 ft plot is the compact house design in Banashankari 6th Stage, Bengaluru. This residence for the Ellappans, reimagines traditional Indian living in a contemporary, spatially dynamic form. Designed for a family of three- Mr. Ellappan, his wife, and their teenage son- the house expresses a deep connection to vernacular roots while […]
This multi generational home is a testament to the ability of the design practice to blend aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Keeping environmental sustainability and the welfare of the community at the forefront, Bhowal designed a home that was truly ahead of its time. His visionary approach and the Design Consortium’s expertise in providing a […]
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 […]
Pillar design is a cornerstone of architectural elegance, seamlessly blending structural support with aesthetic appeal. Our blog, “50 Best Pillar Design Inspirations,” celebrates this essential element, showcasing a variety of styles from classical Doric and Ionic to contemporary and avant-garde innovations. Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or a design enthusiast, these pillar design inspirations […]