Aquatic Gallery at Science City, Ahmedabad

  • Prize
    Winner in Architectural Design - Others architectural projects
  • Company/Firm
    Lead Design Consortium Member-INI Design Studio; Design Consortium Member-Kling Consult GmbH & Co.
  • Lead Designer
    Jayesh Hariyani, Adi Mistri, Rakhi Rupani, Saumil Mevada
  • Design Team
    Bhargav A Bhavsar, Viresha Hariyani, Parth Joshi, Nirav Shah
  • Architect
    INI Design Studio
  • Interior Designer
    INI Design Studio
  • Lighting Designer
    INI Infrastructure & Engineering
  • Const. Company
    Prime Contractor - Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Pvt. Ltd., Marine Contractor - Marinescape Limited
  • Photographer Credit
    Vinay Panjwani, India
  • Location
    Science City Campus, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
  • Client
    Department of Science and Technology, Gujarat Council of Science City
  • Project Date
    December 2021
  • Project Link

The Aquatic Gallery in Ahmedabad Science City is India’s first inland aquarium & a 5th generation facility. Conceived & developed by the Gujarat Council of Science City, it is designed to bridge the chasm between formal science education & the community.
Inspired by the intricate, harmonious forms of Nature; the spiralling, mysterious galaxies & exquisitely proportioned coastal shells, the design pays homage to the beauty of the natural world. Spaces that seamlessly expand and evolve, capture the essence of continuous growth and movement. The grand 90’ high atrium, symbolizes the heart of the gallery, ascending at the spiral's core, drawing in natural light from clerestories. As visitors traverse the galleries, they engage in a choreographed narrative, intimately linked to the building's organic form. The exhibits unfold in synchrony with the circular movement, creating a captivating, living canvas, each section meticulously arranged to evoke environmental associations & foster a profound connection to water and life.
Embodying innovation & sustainability, the Aquatic Gallery sets a new standard for immersive learning experiences within India's scientific landscape.

Bio
INI Design Studio (INI) is one of the Top Design Brand known across India and Internationally. INI’s work is widely published including a book “Designing for Modern India” published by Mapin Publishing on INI work. INI is a multi-disciplinary, independently owned Collaborative design practice that brings best of both-world: “Local Small Firm Attention” + “Large International Firm Ability”. INI work encompasses planning, architecture, engineering, and design-built services for many sectors that cut across the sustainable built environment.

Other prizes
INI has won 100+ international & National design awards and recognitions including Fellow - American Institute of Architects, Fellow - Indian Institute of Architects, Excellence on the Waterfront Awards - 2021, Washington, DC, Green Good Design Awards 2023, USA.