In today’s era of knowledge-driven economic development, fostering a scientific mindset within the community is crucial. To support this goal, the Gujarat Council of Science City, established by the Government of Gujarat, has created the Aquatic Gallery.
Project Name: Aquatic Gallery at Science City, Ahmedabad
Studio Name: INI Design Studio
Project Location: Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Completion Status : December 2021
Gross Built Area (m2/ ft2): 1,50,000 ft2
Client: Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat Council of Science City
Architects Credit:
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
Firm Credits:
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
Photographer Credits: Vinay Panjwani, India
This state-of-the-art facility, located within the expansive 200-acre Ahmedabad Science City, stands as India’s largest and first meticulously planned public inland aquarium, embodying the concept of “edutainment.” Attracting over a million visitors annually, the Gallery aims to bridge the gap between formal science education and the general public.
The design of the Gallery draws inspiration from the intricate and harmonious patterns found in nature, such as spiraling galaxies and the beautifully proportioned shells along the Gujarat coast. The nautilus, a marine mollusc known for its segmented, spiral shell made up of interconnected chambers, serves as the primary muse. This design reflects a precise and geometrically progressive structure, echoing the natural world’s elegance and complexity.
Serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of science, the dynamic evolution of knowledge, and the continuous exploration of the universe, the circular, segmented, and spiral layout of the viewing galleries facilitates seamless movement through increasingly expansive and continuous spaces. The entrance is accentuated by a steel and glass canopy that resembles a cantilevered petal, enhancing its visual appeal. At the heart of the design is a 27.5-meter diameter central atrium, topped with a steel deck slab, providing a versatile space from which the galleries radiate; its structure ascends at the spiral’s center, reaching upward for light through clerestory windows.
The exposed RCC exterior surfaces contribute a dynamic visual quality, with shadows playing across the façade and openings that mimic the gills of a fish. Visitors experience an engaging sensory journey, enriched by integrated lighting, AV technology, projections, interactive elements, and environmental graphics. The design emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, ensuring resilience against seismic events and other natural calamities.
The Aquatic Gallery represents 71% of Earth’s surface with an average depth of 3.5 km, featuring an underwater viewing walkway, multi-level gallery, interpretation center, and a grand water-world map floor mural. The 72 exhibit tanks accommodate 12,000 fish from 180 species, organized into different zones based on their native regions. The life support systems (LSS) meticulously maintain water parameters such as salinity, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and chemical oxygen levels. Laboratories and quarantine areas are in place for regular health checks and testing. The exhibits are located on the lower level, ensuring that most water loads are at ground level within a controlled environment.
The taller southern side of the building provides natural shading, reducing heat exposure, while service areas around the perimeter further insulate the aquariums, boosting operational efficiency. The exterior features exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks, metal, and glass, creating a well-insulated envelope. A high-performance, low-emissivity glazing system and intelligent automation reduce energy consumption, complemented by solar rooftop panels for renewable energy. The centralized chilled water energy-efficient system saves 90 tons of cooling, and the building’s management systems are integrated with RS-485 equipped meters. Sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and efficient plumbing fixtures, enhancing the building’s environmental performance.
