Project
Aquatic Gallery at Science City, Ahmedabad
Category
Best Implemented Project of Public Building or Facility
About the project (provided by the applicant)
The Aquatic Gallery, India’s first inland aquarium, is a 5th generation facility inspired by natural forms like the spiraling galaxies & seashells, particularly the nautilus. It features an underwater viewing walkway, multi-level gallery, interpretation center & advanced life support systems, offering a choreographed narrative linked to the building's organic form. The 72 tanks house 12,000 fish of various species, creating a sensory-rich experience with integrated lighting, AV technology & interactive features. Energy efficiency is achieved through an insulated envelope, high-performance low-e glazing & self-shading. The centralized Chilled Water Energy Efficient System, VFD-equipped pumping systems & evaporative cooling save 90 tons of cooling. Exposed green concrete, fly ash bricks & low-e glazing complement the natural form, while RCC surfaces add dynamic visual quality. The design ensures structural resilience & integrates intelligent automation for optimal building management.
Location
Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Project implementation year
2022
Project website
https://www.inidesignstudio.com/portfolio/aquatics-gallery-at-science-city/
Extra visual materials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFWAHO7TXEU
https://shorturl.at/updkv
Applicant
Ar. Rakhi Rupani holds a diverse portfolio including work in Kolkata, Delhi & Mumbai. She is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary integration among architects, engineers, interior designers & others. Her leadership qualities & design excellence have enabled her to successfully conceptualize & deliver a number of varied projects. In a career spanning more than 20 years, she has mentored more than 30 architects. Rakhi has been with INI for more than 12 years.
Author of the project
Ar. Rakhi Rupani,INI Design Studio
Customer
Gujarat Council of Science City, Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt. of Gujarat
Other participants
Project Team: Jayesh Hariyani, Adi Mistri, Rakhi Rupani, Saumil Mevada, Parth Joshi
Design Consortium Member: Kling Consult
Interior & Landscape Design: INI Design Studio
MEPF: INI Infrastructure & Engineering
Structural Engineering: Ducon Consultants
AV/IT Engineering: T2 Technology Consulting
Exhibit Design: Lemon Design
Irrigation & Water Body Design: Integrated Flow tech
Façade Design: Façade Engg. Services
Prime Contractor: Shapoorji Pallonji
Marine Contractor: Marinescape
Photo Credit: Vinay Panjwani
Status of the project
Implemented
