OCEANARIUM

A Dissertation submitted in Partial

Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Curriculum of

PROJECT IN ARCHITECTURE
By

AAYUSH
ENROLLMENT

Under the supervision of

Ar. Pooja Singh

AMITY SCHOOL OF
ARCHITECTURE &
PLANNING, AMITY
UNIVERSITY, UTTAR
PRADESH, LUCKNOW
(SESSION 2014-19)
In the month of
November, 2018
 AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Dissertation titled “Oceanarium”, submitted by Mr. Aayush, as a
part of five year Undergraduate programme in Architecture in AMITY SCHOOL OF
ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING is a record of bonafide work carried out by them. The
content included in the Dissertation has not been submitted to any other university or
institute for any accord of any other degree or diploma.

(Internal Examiner) (External Examiner)

Ar. Pooja Singh Prof. Jagbir Singh

(Dissertation Supervisor) (Director, ASAP)

1
 UNDERTAKING BY THE STUDENT

I do hereby undertaking that the information submitted in this Dissertation, by me, is exclusively by

my own efforts and is not a copy of some academic work by someone else either in the past or

present. References are accurately mentions wherever taken.

Mr. Aayush

B.Arch. (2014-19)

Amity School of Architecture & Planning

Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The paper reflects an effort to understand the importance of resilience in architecture more closely
and in detail. It is ensured that at every point of word delivery the topic remains crisp and clear and
the paper maintain sits protocol. This research can be almost considered undone without the
cooperation and help of my colleagues and teachers. First of all I would to like to thank Ar. Pooja
Singh and Ar. Smriti Rastogi, who has been our faculty since the start, for becoming a major driving
force in the course of preparation of this paper. Last but not least I thank Amity School of
Architecture and Planning, Uttar Pradesh, for providing all the facilities and support needed for
completing our research.

Aayush

B.Arch (2014-19)

Amity School of Architecture and Planning

3
 PREFACE

This research paper briefly discusses an understanding and appreciation of an edutainment

building incorporated with recreational activities is important to get close to ecology and
environment. We know that we can’t design for every specific issue but can try our best to bring
people and nature closer to each other through architecture.

Threatened by pollution and the collapse of marine resources, the oceans have become a global
issue and India, powerful state in the Indian Ocean, has an important contribution to make in
preserving its ecology and resources to ensure development social development in its coastal
populations. Oceans are rich in flora and fauna which are unknown to common man. Many of
the oceanic ecosystems such as the coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass ecosystem, coastal
ecosystem, etc are fragile and delicate and needs protection and conservation to maintain them
in healthy condition. Community participation is the key in the conservation of these
ecosystems.

The Oceanarium can fulfil the needs of marine research and conservation, serve as education
and information center for marine biodiversity and attract tourists for entertainment and leisure
activities. It can have add-on features like dolphin shows, restaurants, theatres for education
and information programs, and gift shops which can generate revenues.

In this research different Oceanarium designs along with its extent of ecological conservation
through architectural interventions has been discussed. The future insights of different design
practices for edutainment buildings along side ecological conservation are briefly elaborated
keeping in mind that people and nature are both users and clients, in this research.

Table of Contents

4
AUTHENTICITY CERTIFICATE.....................................................................................................1
UNDERTAKING BY THE STUDENT..............................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...............................................................................................................3
PREFACE...................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER – 1: OCEANARIUM....................................................................................................9
1.1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................9
1.2 ELEMENTS OF THE OCEANARIUM:............................................................................10
Main pavilion:-.........................................................................................................................10
1.3 THE PROPOSAL OF THE MARINE WORLD WILL BE BASED ON FOLLOWING
CRITERIA:...............................................................................................................................10
1. 4 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:.............................................................................................11
1.5 SUGGESTIONS:................................................................................................................11
CHAPTER – 2 DESIGN PARAMETERS & LITERATURE REVIEW: STUDIES & STRATEGIES OPTED13
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW:..................................................................................................14
2.3 DESIGN PARAMETERS: INTRODUCTION-.................................................................14
2.3.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:...........................................................................14
2.3.2 DESIGN OF AQUARIUM:.........................................................................................16
2.3.3 CONFERENCE ROOM & RESTAURANTS:................................................................19
2.3.4 DISPLAY SPACES:........................................................................................................20
2.3.5 LIGHTING:.....................................................................................................................21
2.4 LITERATURE STUDIES:.................................................................................................21
2.4.1 STUDY 1:................................................................................................................21
2.4.2 STUDY 2:................................................................................................................26
CHAPTER – 3 CASE STUDY: STRATEGIES AND DESIGNS OPTED...............................................33
3.1 INTRODUCTION:.............................................................................................................34
Case study researches excel at bringing us an appreciation of a complicated problem or
object and can prolong experience in addition of the strength to what is already recognized
via preceding research. The study will assist to analyze the present case and graph a higher
area to resolve the shortcomings of the present building..........................................................34
3.2 TARAPOREVALA AQUARIUM:.....................................................................................34
3.2.1 INTRODUCTION:.....................................................................................................34
CHAPTER – 4 CONCLUSIONS...................................................................................................41

SYNOPSIS

5
INTRODUCTION –
An “Oceanarium” means underwater aquarium. It is like a natural theme park where one can see
the marine creatures in their natural habitat. Many recreational activities can combine with the
oceanarium to make it a complete recreational space for any age group. It is basically a salt-water
aquarium for displaying marine animals & plants particularly oceanic, pelagic, fishes and mammals.
It serves as a centre for public entertainment and education and scientific study. They are basically
located in coastal areas. 
The Oceanarium is basically an edutainment attraction and is designed for family recreation,
offering both youngsters and adults the fun, excitement and enriching experience of the wonderful
underwater world. The modern concept of the oceanarium is a gigantic aquarium- an artificial
ocean habitat with all kinds of marine creatures, especially large ocean dwellers such as sharks and
dolphins. It can basically be called as a marine mammal park. It is a commercial theme 
park or aquarium where marine mammals such as dolphins, beluga whales and sea lions are kept
within water tanks and displayed to the public in special shows. It is an advance form of an
aquarium, often located on the ocean or on a bay or river and features outdoor pools and
aquatic environments that enable visitors to see large and small fish and other marine life from
below the water surface. The underwater aquarium concept is a revolutionary concept in
entertainment along with education which bases its drawing power on our natural human curiosity
of other forms of animal life.

BRIEF OF PROJECT-

 Threatened by pollution and the collapse of marine resources, the oceans have become a
global issue and India, powerful state in the Indian Ocean, has an important contribution
to make in preserving its ecology and resources to ensure development social
development in its coastal populations.
 Oceans are rich in flora and fauna which are unknown to common man. Many of the oceanic
ecosystems such as the coral reefs, mangroves, sea grass ecosystem, coastal ecosystem,
etc are fragile and delicate and needs protection and conservation to maintain them in
healthy condition. Community participation is the key in the conservation of these
ecosystems.
 The Oceanarium can fulfill the needs of marine research and conservation, serve as
education and information center for marine biodiversity and attract tourists for
entertainment and leisure activities. It can have add-on features like dolphin shows,
restaurants, theatres for education and information programs, and gift shops which can
generate revenues.

AIM –
Aim of project is to fulfill the needs and marine research and conservation, along with generating
employment to the local areas further serving the facilities an edutainment building gives

OBJECTIVES –

6
 To build work centers in such a manner where both skilled and non-skilled workers can work
to carry out work.
 Building work centers using local manpower and local materials as well which itself will
provide employment in first place.

SCOPES –
Scope of this project is to reduce migration though it cannot be fully stopped but providing
employment and facilities in village will significantly reduce migration and will also help in reducing
population in cities.

Reduce the rate by which farmers are committing suicide due to financial crisis.

Provide employment to women who are sitting idle at home.

LIMITATIONS –
 If administration is not able to implement project efficiently and somehow unable to
convince required workforce to stay back the project can be a failure.
 The services and must be accurate, if not, the marine life can die in the exhibition areas.
 The research wing should be administered by qualified professionals or it can severely
damage the very essence of the edutainment structure.

7
CHAPTER – 1: OCEANARIUM

8
1.1 INTRODUCTION:
An oceanarium means underwater aquarium. It is like a herbal theme park the place one can see
the marine creatures in their herbal habitat. Many leisure things to do can mix with the
oceanarium to make a entire leisure area for any age group. It is essentially a salt water aquarium
for exhibiting marine animals & vegetation in particular oceanic, pelagic, fishes and mammas.
It serves as a centre for public amusement and training and scientific study. They are essentially
positioned in coastal areas.
The Oceanarium is essentially and edutainment enchantment and is designed for household
recreation, imparting each kids and adults the fun, Excitement and enriching ride of the
remarkable underwater world.
The present day thinking of the time period oceanarium is a colossal aquarium – and synthetic
ocean habitat with all types of marine creatures, particularly giant oceans dwellers such as sharks
and dolphins it can essentially be known as as marine mammal park. It is industrial theme park or
aquarium the place marine mammals such as dolphins, beluga, whales and sea lions are saved
inside water tanks and displayed to the public is extraordinary shows. It is and strengthen shape of
an aquarium, frequently positioned on the ocean or on a bay or river and points out of doors pool
and aquatic environments that allow traffic to see massive and small fish and different marine
lifestyles from beneath the water surface. The underwater aquarium thinking is a innovative idea
in leisure alongside with training which bases its drawing energy on our herbal human curiosity of
different varieties of animal life.

Figure 1a: Interior View of Oceanarium

1.2 ELEMENTS OF THE OCEANARIUM:

Main pavilion:-
Acrylic tunnel, large aquariums, shark tanks, touch tanks
Leisure pavilion with restaurant and underground vision
Secondary pavilion:-
Artificial lake, musical fountain, aquarium films, oceanography theatres.

1.3 THE PROPOSAL OF THE MARINE WORLD WILL BE BASED ON FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Ecology:-
It will aim at the conversation of the marine life and the ecological balance, which is disrupted by
the activities of man. To not only protect the marine flora and fauna from dangers of extinction but
also to create an environment conductive for its growth.
Education
A Part of the program will aim to research and development of formal institutional to impart
knowledge to students on the science of oceanography. The other part will aim at spreading
awareness among the visitors through entertainment so that they have better understanding of
marine life. An oceanarium will be a means through which the conversation needs and duties can

9
be made more popular. A visitor will leave the oceanarium with much more respect for the life of
holds.
Entertainment
Not forgetting the needs of man the Oceanarium will purpose to be a centre of recreation,
entertainment and adventure, A habitat to revive the spirit of man. Improving the residing
requirements of the rural humans by using imparting food, shelter, clothing, employment and
education. Increasing the productiveness in rural areas and to minimize poverty.
Involving the rural human beings in planning and improvement through their participation in
choice making and via decentralization of administration.

Figure 2: The Stralsund Ozeaneum

1. 4 MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:
 Seawater wells
 Aquarium pumps
 Piping and valves
 Water tanks
 Display tanks
 Sewage treatment tanks
 Filtration tanks
 Toilets
 Research area
 Restaurant
 Service areas like staircase, lifts. A.H.U., etc.
 Waiting area
 Aeration
 Advance structural interventions
 Aquarium displays
 Central coral tanks
 Touch pools
 The artificial ocean world – ocean pavilion, ocean gallery, coastal gallery
 Shops and café
 An aqua museum
 Discovery lab
 Dolphinarium

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1.5 SUGGESTIONS:
To aware the young mass about marine life amidst the climatic chaos of today’s world is a difficult
task. Through the oceanarium, it is possible.

The advance structural system with the fusion of landscape design will make the structure
aesthetically admirable which will in return help to generate employment.

A large no. of young professionals related to the services of an Oceanarium will be employed
locally.

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CHAPTER – 2 DESIGN PARAMETERS & LITERATURE REVIEW: STUDIES & STRATEGIES OPTED

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2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW:
A literature evaluation is an evaluative file of statistics observed in the literature associated to your
chosen place of study. The evaluation ought to describe, summarise, consider and make clear this
literature. It ought to supply a theoretical base for the lookup and assist you decide the nature of
your research.
A literature overview is an account of grasp unique subject matter or a preface to and motive for
enticing in predominant research. It is executed to perceive the widespread topic, trouble or place
of concerns. Almost theoretical expertise for desirable appreciation of the assignment is received
via find out about of literature such as books, journals, reports, articles and so on.

2.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:

1. To collect required data on various aspect.
2. Theoretical standards for general requirement.
3. Theory based on experience and researches, giving guidelines.

2.3 DESIGN PARAMETERS: INTRODUCTION-

In this research, the Oceanarium is discussed. The general idea behind the structure of oceanarium
is the edutainment purpose and ecological conservation. Thus associated research have been
undertaken to recognize these aspects. Various layouts and working surroundings had been
studied thereafter to get know-how about craft associated works.
1
Following studies were done to understand and review basic design space and consideration for
specific purposes:
1. General Considerations
2. Display Spaces
2.3.1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS:
DOME THEATRE:

 The human eye has a field-of-view of about 190 degrees horizontal and 120 degrees vertical.
 The audience is seated at a 30-degree angle, facing a 165-degree dome screen.
 They have reclined & steeply raked seats at an angle up to 30 degrees & in the middle of the
seating area an ultra wide or fisheye lens projection system comes up from the projection
booth below it.
 It projects images in a wide panorama on the dome screen which is tilted at 30 degrees &
covers
 Approx. 80% of a hemisphere, filling a horizontal view of 180 degrees & a vertical field of
view
 Averaging 125 degrees.
 The sound system is located all over the theatre.

1
Architect’s Data-Ernst Neufert ,2006

13
 Figure 2a: Section with dimensions of theatre

Figure 2b: Plan of dome theatre

14
 Administration Standard ( sq.m.)
Office Area
Entrance lounge 1.5 sq.m. / person
 Enquiry 40% of lounge

 Tourist information

 Book stall

 Circulation

 Ticket Counter

 Toilet
Director office ( including PA) Min. 30 sq.m.
Supporting staff Min. 8 sq.m./workplace
Conference room 1.5sq.m./person
CCTV room 20 sq.m.
Table 2a: Standards for admin building
Facilities Standard ( sq.m.)
Auditorium 1m2 -2m2 / person is desirable
Lecture Room 0.8m2 / person is desirable
Restaurant 1m2 -1.5m2 / person is desirable
Gift Shop Approx. 50m2 is sufficient
Table 2b: Standards for amenities
2
2.3.2 DESIGN OF AQUARIUM:
Following are few aspects to keep in mind while designing such amenities:
 It is desirable to have a flow pattern for visitors. Design can quite readily lead the visitor into
the desired path in most situations.
 Upon entering, a visitor will generally turn right, provided no attractions draw him
elsewhere.
 By placing display tanks at an angle, with the viewing glass facing the oncoming visitor, he
will normally proceed in that direction.
 Open-floor exhibits can serve as shields and also continue to draw the visitors along the
desired path.

2
TIME SAVER STANDARDS, 2005 EDITION

15
 Figure 2c: Visitor’s flow pattern
 Handrails to keep the public about 3 ft from the viewing glass may be desirable. Opinion is
divided among aquarists regarding rails.
 When large numbers of visitors are present, a rail keeps them back from the glass and
permits more people a better view. On the other hand, close inspection of small organisms
is then not possible.

Figure 2d: Layout for aquarium

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 Figure 2d: Work area behind the display tanks

Figure 2e: Aquarium water system

17
 Figure 2f: Water filtration system

Figure 2g: Typical vanishing side wall tanks installation

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2.3.3 CONFERENCE ROOM & RESTAURANTS:

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Figure 2g: Dimensions for conference room & cafe

2.3.4 3DISPLAY SPACES:

Figure 2h: Exhibition arrangement

2.3.5 LIGHTING:
In case of admittance of natural light, windows sill level must be kept about 3ft. to 3ft.6in. from the
floor and should reach up to 12ft. from the ceiling, if flat or springing line, if segmental.

Figure 2i: Gallery top lighting

2.4 LITERATURE STUDIES:

2.4.1 STUDY 1:
4
GEORGIA AQUARIUM, ATLANTA:
Date opened - November 23, 2005 Location- Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Coordinates - 33°45′46″N 84°23′41″W
Area- 5 ha (12.3 acre)
Figure 17: Plan of exhibition/museum
3
TIME SAVER STANDARD, FIFTH EDITION

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No. of animals - More than (100,000)
No. of species – 700.
Volume of largest tank - 6.3 million US gallons (24,000 m3).
Total volume of tanks - More than 10 million US gallons (38,000 m3)
Annual visitors - 2.4 Million (2016).
Memberships – AZA (American Zoo and Aquarium Association)

Figure 2j: Tunnel view of Georgia Aquarium

The site plan consist of a single building in a 20 acres of land surrounded by a mix landscape over
its one side and having a multilevel parking provided at a back of the building.

Figure 2k: Site Plan

4
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273640979_Georgia_Aquarium_Design_Space_Analysis_
and_Optimization

21
 Figure 2l: Floor Plan

TROPICAL diver:
Escape to the tropics and engage your guests in the relaxing and intimate menu as they are
mesmerized by one of the largest living reef exhibits in the world.
Area:-1110 sq. m. (Including service space)
Width:-6 m
No. of tank:-11 Capacity: - 35 person
OCEAN VOYAGER:
Enchant your guests with a voyage to the ocean floor.
They will be captivated as tens of, thousands of fish swim overhead and will marvel as they dine
alongside the largest aquarium.
Area:-2,000 sq. m
Tunnel wide: - 4 m Height: - 6.5 m
Theatre:-200 sq.m. Capacity:-80 person
OCEAN’S BALLROOM:
The sophisticated ballroom provides a distinctive space for an intimate reception for 50 people in
one of our sections or for your ceremony and reception for more than 500 people in the Ocean
Ballroom.
 16,400 sq. ft. (23,000 sq. ft.including pre-function)
 150x112 Dimensions

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  19-21ft. Ceiling height
 1,200 Reception
 1,000 Banquet

Figure 2m: Ballroom

AT&T DOLPHIN TALES:

Dolphin tales

 Area:-2150 sq. m.
 Corridor wide:-4.5 m.
 Height:-9.5 m.
 Theatre:-1050 sq. m. Capacity:-100 persons
 Water body: - 300 sq. m.

Figure 2n: Dolphin Tale

SERVICES:

 The water pipes of 24” at 3m c-c on periphery and 62” at the bottom are installed.
 The lighting is been done at the bottom and at the top by using lamps.
 The maintained is been check by a bay been running over the I-Section installed to the roof
structure.

More than 500 full-time and part-time employees and 2 000 volunteer staff members keep the
Aquarium operating on a seven-day a week schedule that also includes unique guest overnight stay

23
events and a kids’ conservation education program. Operations, security, education, maintenance,
veterinary and training staff, administration personnel, environmental operations, volunteer
management, parking, commissary, tour guides, restaurants, retail and others on staff need voice
communications to reliability reach every corner of this multi-story facility on a 24 hour basis .

ADVANCE TECHNOLOGIES:

The construction of the Aquarium presented many challenges to radio signal coverage. Basically
the Aquarium is a hollow structure, constructed of steel reinforced concrete walls up to four feet
thick, surrounding an expansive main atrium with a 50foot high ceiling. The animal habits,
clustered around the main atrium, require more than eight million.

FEATURE:

• The Aquarium’s filtration system contains more than 70miles pipes

• The heating and air conditioning system has 4300 tons of cooling capacity, enough to cool
over 1400 average-sized homes. Plumbing systems include 290 plumbing fixtures, 200 floor
drains and 53 roof drains.
• The drains are connected by 1.5 miles underground pipe and 5.5 miles of above ground
pipe.
• In Aquarium’s life support system, there are 506 pumps using over 5,500 horsepower to
move more than 300,000 gallons of water every minute. The water is moved through 187
sand filters, 91 protein skimmers and 76 towers.

Figure 2n: Dolphin Tale

Positive aspect Negative aspect

PLANNING • The high emphasised • No use of direct

entrance make the sunlight at any part
first fell very for visitors.
interesting
• The gallery, because
• The proper area of not being
distributions to interconnected some
different arenas makes feel tiredness

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 make the conditions for visitors.
less choric for the
users. The
panoramic view all
the zones from a
single point keep the
interest going
unbeaten

CIRCULATION • The presence of all • The multidirectional

the galleries and movement of the
other stuff on the public from the same
same level make the atrium can make the
circulation a bit non- conditions
confusing as a unsuitable.
cyclonical point of
view.

2.4.2 STUDY 2:

5
LISBON OCEANARIUM, SPAIN:
Location: Park of the Nations, Olivia, Lisbon, Portugal.
Architect- Peter Chermayeff
Firm- Cambridge Seven Associated, America Date of commencing- 1994- 1998
Opening date- October, 1998
Area of the equipment- 16, 58,585 m. sq.

Figure 2o: Main Building

5
https://issuu.com/abusafwan0/docs/abu_safwan_thesis_report

25
In October 1998 Oceanarium opened in public, establishing a lifelong connection between Lisbon
and the Ocean, while bridging the discovery, and research and conservation activities.

ABOUT THE BUILDING:

• Two buildings, connected by a bridge, represent the boarding quay for a journey of
discovery into the marine world. The main building surrounded by water, represents a
ship ready to sail.
• The complex consists of two main buildings: one administrative structure and the
oceanarium.

• The oceanarium is forever connected to land by a bridge, symbolizing a pier to an

unforgettable voyage to a remarkable underwater world.

• The exhibit building is placed on water like an island, linked to an entrance/exit support
building on the land.
• Visitors enter by a ramped bridge to an upper level, where four ocean habits Later, those
same four ocean habits are seen again underwater, visually linked to a large central tank
which represents the unity of all oceans in a single global ocean.

Figure 2p: Oceanarium

The main exhibit is a 1,000 m. sq., 5,000 m. sq. tank with four large 49 sq. m acrylic windows o its
sides, and smaller focus windows strategically located around it to make sure it is a constant
component throughout the exhibit space. It is 7 m deep, which lets pelagic swimmers to swim
above the bottom dwellers, and providing the illusion of the open ocean. About 100 species from
around the world are kept in the tank, including sharks, rays, barracudas, groupers, and moray
eels. One of the main attractions is a large sunfish.

• Number of animals - 16,000

• Number of species - 450
• Volume of largest tank - 5,000 cubic m.
• Annual visitors - 10, 00,000
• Daily average - 24068

26
 Figure 2q: Foyer
Visitors enter by a ramped bridge to an upper level, where four ocean habitat later; those ocean
habitats are seen again underwater, visually linked to a large central tank which represents the
unity of all oceans into a single global ocean.

Figure 2r: Entrance

• 8,000 organisms, between animals and plants of over 500 different species;

• Around 550 kg of food is consumed per week’

• 75,000 pieces of artificial coral used in the decoration of the central aquarium and
of the Indian Ocean habitat;

• 7 million liters of salt water, divided between more than 30 aquariums;

• Every day over 200 different tests are performed to evaluate the quality of the
aquariums’ water.

GROUND FLOOR PLAN (SERVICE FLOOR):

Which is over the pile floor, it act as service floor which include lifts, staircases, mechanical, room,
maintenance office, store, water purifier room, generator room, temperature maintaining room
in tank, control room etc. the central lobby is double floor which is just below the central tank of
first floor.

27
 Figure 2s: Ground floor plan

Figure 2t: Upper floor plan

2.4.3 STUDY 3:

6
THE BLUE PLANET – DENMARK’S NEW NATIONAL AQUARIUM:

6
https://www.dezeen.com/2013/03/26/the-blue-planet-aquarium-by-3xn/

28
Architect: 3XN
Location: Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark
Gross area: App. 10,000 m², whereof app. 5,000 m² exhibition, outdoor area app. 2,000 m² plus
parking area for 200 vehicles in total parking for 575 vehicles
No. of animals: 20,000
No. of species: 450
Volume of largest tank: 4,000,000 L
Total volume of tanks: 7,000,000 L
No. of exhibits: 53
No. of sections: The Rainforest
The African Great Lakes
Evolution and adaption
Cold Water
The Warm Ocean

Figure 2u: Concept

Concept: The design of The Blue Planet is based on the story about water and life under the sea,
visualising the construction as a whirlpool which draws visitors into the depths to the fascinating
experiences waiting among fish and sea animals from all over the world.

Figure 2v: Aerial view

The whirlpool concept:
 It ensures that one or more of the whirlpool arms, with relative ease and without disrupting the
building’s integrity nor the operation of the aquarium, can be extended with more than 30 % in
order to create more exhibition space.

29
 Figure 2w: Zoning

The Blue Planet is located on an elevated headland towards the sea, north of Kastrup, Harbour.
Located right next to the water, the facade is covered with more than 33,000 small diamond-
shaped aluminium shingles, which adapts to the building's organic form.

Figure 2x: Front Elevation

The facade is covered with more than 33,000 small diamond-shaped aluminium shingles, which
adapts to the building's organic form.

30
 Figure 2y: Floor plan

• The building comprises a series of curved wings, designed to mimic the shapes generated
by swirling water, and is clad in shimmering aluminium shingles that are reminiscent of fish
scales.
• The main entrance leads into a circular foyer at the heart of the building, where visitors
can look up through a glass ceiling into a pool directly overhead.
• By enabling multiple routes the risk of queues in front of individual aquariums is reduced. 
• The restaurant enjoys a magnificent view of the sea, which begins just a few meters away.

31
 Figure 2z: Cross-Section

• The load-bearing system consists of 54 unique steel frames, which via their radial
positioning and geometry forms the base of the curved facades. A service line was built 1.7
km out into the Oresund to obtain suitable water for the aquariums.  the metal structure
of the building, whose total weight amounts to over 700 tons of steel, and its
curvilinear skin.
• The curved ceilings of the aquarium are reminiscent of the baleens of a large whale.
• The five arms curl around a central foyer from which the public can access the exhibitions
independently from one another.

Figure 2 (1): Axonometric View

32
 CHAPTER – 3 CASE STUDY: STRATEGIES AND DESIGNS OPTED

3.1 INTRODUCTION:
Case study researches excel at bringing us an appreciation of a complicated problem or object and
can prolong experience in addition of the strength to what is already recognized via preceding
research. The study will assist to analyze the present case and graph a higher area to resolve the
shortcomings of the present building.
3.2 TARAPOREVALA AQUARIUM:
3.2.1 INTRODUCTION:
Date opened -1951
Location -Marine Lines, Mumbai
Coordinates -18.9492866°N 72.8200758°E
No. of species-100
Annual visitors -400000
Objective:

33
To study the basic key elements of an aquarium and the functionality along with shortcoming of an
old structure.
General:
1. The Taraporevala aquarium is located at western coast of Mumbai Marine Drive.
(Taraporevala Building, Near Charni Road Station, Chari Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra –
400002).
2. Taraporevala Aquarium was built in 1951 at a cost of Rs. 8, 00,000. It had been inaugurated
by India's first president Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The aquarium was re-opened after
renovation on March 3, 2015. It was post renovation that the touch-pool has been built
where children can touch fish which are harmless. The fish are kept in large glass tanks.

Figure 3a: Front view of aquarium

About aquarium:

1. Oceanarium is in the foyer with 22,000litres (5,800USgal) water.

2. Amphitheatre with 50 seats screening documentaries on fish, marine ecosystems

and environment conservation.

3. Touch pool, where curious visitors can touch star fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers,
and turtles.

4. Fish spa: you can dip your feet in one of ten tanks of Doctor Fish (Gurrarufa). The
fish nibble and remove dead skin from your feet and legs.

5. Coral and rocky ecosystems with aqua scaping and LED lighting.

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 Figure 3b: Ground Floor Plan

General Specifications:
Total plot – 560 sq.m.
Total built up – 350 sq.m.
Canteen area –35 sq.m
Kitchen area –12 sq.m
3m wide corridor and 600mm gap b/w aquarium and people
Fountain at the entrance as a focal point
Front setback is used for the staff parking
Exit/Entry gate – 3.5 m wide
Ticket house – 24 sq.m.
3m wide corridor
Auditorium room – 33 sq.m. for 50 persons
Aquarium room – 9 sq.m.
Setting tank – 6 sq.m.
Fresh water supply room – 8 sq.m.
Sea water supply room – 15 sq.m.

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 Figure 3c: Aquarium Exhibition

Figure 3d: Auditorium

Figure 3d: Fountain at entrance

There are 16 sea water, 9 sweet-water and 32 tropical tanks. The tropical section of the aquarium
features a moss aquarium for pregnant fishes and a plantation aquarium featuring varieties of
imported water lilies and other aquatic plants.

Services:
Operation and maintenance

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Maintaining fishes and other aquatic denizens in a public aquarium is highly specialized task.
The water in the large tanks is under continuous circulation with taps at the top of the tank supply
water. The water supply speed is maintained as per the judgement of the aquarium officers. Water
goes out from a concealed outlet at the tank bottom. A siphon system keeps water at a constant
level.
Water circulation system:
 The circulation in the aquarium is of closed type, i.e. the water once taken into the system is
used over and over again.
 From the display tanks it goes to the filters where it passes through layers of sand, gravel
and pebbles. Here it is gotten rid of impurities and other noxious substances.
 It then flows into a basement reservoir.
 It can now drop by gravity to the display.

Overh
pum ead
p gravit
y
Exhib t a n k
it i -
on
S e tt l Fi l t tank
ing er Under
tan g ro u n
tank k pum
d
p
r eser
voir
Figure 3e: Water pump system
Air supply:
Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure a constant stream of air into all the tanks. The
silvery bubbles, spiralling to the surface of water from the bed of the tank are compressed air
released in each tank. Proper aeration is necessary for the well being of the exhibits.
Reservoirs:
Below the room containing the pumps and the compressors are the reservoirs for sea water and
fresh water. The sea water reservoir is 45’ x 15’ x 10’.
The main hall has two sections. The first of 160 cubic feet and the second a miniature section with
2 cubic feet.
Inside:
The main hall has two sections. The first of 160 cubic feet and the second a miniature section with
2 cubic feet. In all, over 100 species of marine and fresh water fish are on display, including sharks,
turtles and morays. It also includes seven varieties of coral fish from the Lakshadweep Island which
were added to the collection recently.

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Figure 3f: Public circulation

Figure 3g: Services

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Architectural feature:
 The building has been designed according to the requirements but the façade does not
project the Aquarium that is housed inside.
 The façade has just been treated with the painting of fishes to represent the aquarium
inside.
 The arrangements of the tanks is concrete rectangle is a good layout as the public is able to
view both the fresh water and sea water exhibits simultaneously.
 The fountain at the entrance creates some interest in the otherwise monotonous connection
of the spaces.
 The area closed to tanks around 1 meter is cordoned off to prevent the public from touching
or damaging the tanks.
 The setback around the building could have been used to create an aqua-space and this
would have provided an attractive entry to the Aquarium.
 The Building looks like a larger version of a domestic fish tank.
 The encloses are too small for larger marine mammals like turtles, skate fishes etc.
 According to Departmental official, the number of visitors per year (consisting of Adults and
children) is % lakhs. An average of 1650 persons visits the aquarium daily.

Figure 3g: Section through acrylic tunnel

NEGATIVE ASPECTS

PLANNING  The staggered blocking method

proves no proper site planning.
 The entrance is not bold enough to
attract visitors.
 The toilets are in chaotic conditions.
 The entrance portico and lobby are
so small even to accommodate 50
people at a time.
 The tank fail to meet the minimum
standard size and fishes can be seen
uncomfortably inside them.
CIRCULATION Against the popular practice of discipline
path circulation of free neater compounding,
the exhausting conditions result in pushing &
jostling.

AESTHETICS The appearance of the building is so modest

and unassuming that it gives no attraction to
the people passing by.

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Figure 3h: Private Circulation for staff

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CHAPTER – 4 CONCLUSIONS

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The term aquatic refer to the water and its habitants, as the name implies, the Oceanarium
is classified in four major parts:
Entertainment facilities, Educational facilities, Recreational facilities and Research facilities.
As discussed in the paper, the project is about the overall development of the area
surrounding the structure along with the structure itself. As the name suggests, an
Oceanarium will be an edutainment platform which will give the glimpse of marine life in its
natural habitat to the people from around the different topographical habitat. Around the
world we see development around the coasts earn a lot of money from tourism due to
development.
It will not only serve as a recreational spot but also a research platform where extensive
researches on flora and fauna will be conducted.
Marine life is one of the most important resources of the country and with increasing
demand for the development and conservation of marine wealth, this structure is the most
appropriate solution through architectural intervention.
It will not only provide employment but education and revenue from public to private
sector. It will give boost to local tourism as well.

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