Aquatic Gallery
INI Design Studio
July 2021
Ahmedabad
Inaugurated in 2022 within the vibrant Science City campus, the Aquatic Gallery, Ahmedabad, stands as a marvel of spatial storytelling and immersive architecture. Conceptualized as an educational and experiential destination, the structure blends thematic design with high-performance engineering. HIFAB’s contribution to its facade and detailing brought this ambitious public project to life — transforming form into an experience.
The gallery’s architecture mimics the fluidity of water, expressed through organic curves, transparent enclosures, and a light-permeable design. Expansive glazing and flowing forms offer visitors a seamless transition between built environment and nature. The facade — engineered with UV-resistant glass, thermal insulation, and durable cladding — supports the interior’s sensitive aquatic environments while maintaining clarity and openness.
Its organic form not only echoes the theme of marine life but also responds to the region’s intense climate by balancing light, shade, and internal temperature regulation with a focus on sustainability.
The Aquatic Gallery’s structure is a symphony of curves and clarity. Its entrance features a sweeping glass façade that offers unobstructed visibility into the space’s thematic core. Inside, the volume expands to house massive viewing tanks, surrounded by layered circulation paths and sculpted surfaces that guide the visitor journey intuitively.
Externally, the materials were selected with precision — resistant to weathering, adaptable to organic geometry, and reflective of the gallery’s fluid identity. Every curve and joint was executed with care, ensuring visual continuity and engineering integrity across an unconventional form.
This building is a true work of art in the way it brings together various architectural elements, demonstrating our skill in blending them into a beautiful and cohesive whole.However, in the creating process, each facade posed a unique challenge. The South side necessitated a 10-degree slope; the East faced a 7-degree inclination; the West side boasted a 30-degree lean, and the North wall was artfully vertical. To shape these multifaceted facade angles neatly, we had to work with utmost precision and a keen eye for detail. Establishing seamless connections amidst this diversity of angles posed a significant challenge, leading to numerous cycles of revisions and adjustments. As the deadline for Building Use Permission (BUP) drew nearer, our resolve to meet it remained steadfast. In order to keep the project’s momentum, we opted for the temporary installation of glass facades, underscoring our unyielding commitment to our work, despite the associated costs.
Since its opening, the Aquatic Gallery has become one of Ahmedabad’s most iconic public attractions — a beacon of science, sustainability, and civic pride. Its impact extends beyond education and entertainment: it has elevated public architecture in Gujarat and set a precedent for experience-driven spaces in India. As part of Science City’s master vision, it continues to inspire future generations through design that invites curiosity and wonder.
At HIFAB, the Aquatic Gallery exemplifies our belief that architecture can tell stories — not just through its form, but through feeling. From the curve of its façade to the clarity of its enclosures, every detail was designed to immerse, educate, and endure. It remains a proud chapter in our journey — one where innovation meets imagination, and design meets purpose.
Semi Unitized Glazing (HIFAB)
ACP
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