TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION 7
1.2 THESIS STATEMENT 8
1.3 GOALS & OBJECTIVES 9
1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT 10
1.5 REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE PROGRAM 11

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE SURVEY

2.1 INTRODUCTION 12
2.2 DESIGN OF AQUARIUM TANKS 16
2.3 WATER SYSTEM 19
2.4 LIGHTING 25

CHAPTER 3: SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

3.1 ABOUT SITE 27

3.2 MASTER PLAN ZONING 29
3.3 SITE ANALYSIS 30
3.4 LOCAL BYE-LAWS 35
3.5 ENVIROMENT SUSTAINABILITY OF SITE 36
3.6 TOPOGRAPHY OF SITE 37

CHAPTER 4: CASE STUDIES

4.1 NATIONAL AQUARIUM, BALTIMORE MARYLAND 39

4.2 MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM, MONTEREY CALIFORNIA 52
4.3 TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM, MARINE DRIVE MUMBAI 66
4.4 COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS 74

REFERENCES 75

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 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

In prehistoric time, human beings needed to secure basic needs. In the beginning,
however, our only need was to discover. Unspoiled by superficial concerns, our minds where
pure and we had a genuine appreciation for the beauty of life. As we secured our basic needs
we gained time to think about how to facilitate the acquisition of our higher level needs such
as-relations with other human beings.

Thus architecture was developed that functioned as shelter to cushion the adverse
effects of the environment. As life became more complicated, we began to lose our connection
with nature. Our curiosity with natural architecture dwindled when such mechanisms as mass
communication left little for people to discover on their OWTI.

As our existence does become concerned with more and more superficial things such
as luxuries we move away from our communion with nature. By striving for convenience and
efficiency, civilization tends to try to eliminate obstruction of progress by natural physical
limitations. Thus, architecture was applied to try to buffer the adverse effects of our
coexistence with nature. However extreme we may consider our present encounters with
nature, we do have a delicate relationship with our environment. As we tap into the natural
processes of the environment, the scales may be tipped that balance this coexistence, perhaps
making the environment intolerable. Therefore we should heed obvious warning signs such as
natural disasters that remind us of how helpless we really are.

BACKGROUND

HISTORY OF AQUARIUMS

Historically, aquariums have been in existence for at least 4,500 years as the
Sumerians used artificial ponds for keeping fish. Also, the ancient Egyptians and the
Assyrians were known to have kept records of fish keeping, although their actual purpose is
unknown, The ancient Romans, it is known, kept fish in artificial ponds fed by continuous
fresh seawater from channels dug to the ocean, for the purpose of breeding them for
enjoyment and market. The Romans are basically considered the first marine aquarists. Except
for instances of goldfish in glass bowls in the 17Q0's in England, aquariums were not
successful and therefore were not widely established until the discovery of the
interrelationship between oxygen and living things one hundred years later.

After this discovery, the study of fish became useful in understanding nature, and the
term "aquarium" was first used by British ornithologist Philip Gosse whose work, among
others, brought aquatic life to public interest. The first public aquarium opened at Regent's
Park, London, in 1853. Shortly thereafter, public aquariums began appearing around the world
in such places as Berlin, Paris, Naples, etc.

The first American public aquarium was built by P.T. Barnum in New York City as a
commercial attraction. By 1928, the world's public aquarium count was 45. Today, many
major world cities have public aquariums. Conceptually, the early public aquariums were a
kind of museum of strictly educational focus, but their popularity realized the commercial
value as well. Generally, the commercially focused aquariums are privately owned whereas
the educationally focused and research oriented aquariums are publicly owned.

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THESIS STATEMENT

The purpose of the Oceanarium is to provide an active ecological education facility for
India. The Aquarium centre will accomplish active education in the following ways:

First, through the display of large numbers of interacting species of aquatic life in
tanks immense enough that natural habitats, ecological processes, and natural group behaviour
of these species may be observed in a surrealistic manner.

Second, with the creation of an environment that both allows and encourages visitor
participation within the aquatic centre through visual, audible, and emotional involvement.

Third, by providing the recreational aspect of viewing exhibits and displays of aquatic
life processes through logical uni-directional circulation patterns.

Fourth, by emphasizing the association with water as an ecological, life giving, and
renewable resource rather than simply a display media. This means that the public will be
encouraged to recognize display facilities beneficial interacting ecological processes.
Conclusively, the new Aquarium will demonstrate that the abundance of life on the earth is
highly dependent on the proper conservation of water and its natural resources.

THEORETICAL BASIS

Throughout the ages, man has constantly sought and explored the unknown. In doing
so, the natural environment has often been exploited to an irreparable extent while society
ignorantly believed the earth to contain infinite available resources. Once the finite supply was
realized, the notion that there would come a day when the supply of natural resources would
become exhausted or extinct was adopted.

Today however, man has come to realize the difference between renewable and non-
renewable resources. This differentiation of natural resources means that those which are
renewable, such as fish and wildlife, may be maintained at a sustained yield. (That is the level
at which a resource may be harvested and yet population levels are maintained.) The
recognition and preservation of these renewable natural resources thereby depends on the
ability of man to practice learned conservation techniques. Hence, the education of the general
public on the natural environment becomes increasingly important for its preservation.

Admittedly, people generally prefer not to be subjected to education during their

recreational time. And while the success of the Aquarium is determined by its recreational
provisions, any person who visits the proposed facility will surely improve their knowledge of
aquatic and ecological life processes. Whereas, people are more willing to protect, preserve,
and manage that which they understand or appreciate.

Conservation techniques may then be introduced to the general public who will be
more apt to practice the preservation of the earth's renewable natural resources, such as fish
and wildlife.

ISSUES

PROBLEMS

The largest foreseeable problem of the Oceanarium facility will be the controversy
created when India is having an especially dry summer and water rationing is put into effect.

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The general public may begin to question just how much water is actually used in the
maintenance and upkeep of the facility.

NEEDS

The facility itself must come to be recognized as an active and ever-changing "ecological"
process. Exhibits must not be allowed to become stale but renewed and improved as well as
maintained.

New developments in the aquarium industry each year are substantial. Therefore, the
facility must be versatile enough that better technologies may be adapted to the exhibits and
their surrounding spaces. This will also help keep the Oceanarium from becoming dull to
frequent visitors.

GOALS

Goals may be defined as broad statements of overall direction and purpose at which effort is
directed. Goals may be achieved through design concept implementation-

1. The facility will provide an active aquatic life ecological education centre for
Maharashtra, India.
2. The facility will create an intense, exciting, and informative and therefore positive
atmosphere where the general public may come to learn.
3. The facility will exhibit an applicable presentation of conservation techniques rather
than merely exotic displays of aquatic life.
4. The actual physical facility will make a statement about water and its aquatic life
processes.
5. The project will fulfil the requirements of and provide a quality facility for the state.
6. The aquarium will fulfil the educational gap about all types of marine life specifically
by providing an atmosphere of informative marine exhibits.
7. The aquarium facility will respond to the eco-systems of the area thus providing
harmony with the environment.
8. The facility will create an additional influx of tourism.
9. The physical facility will make a statement about the ocean and fulfil the needs of the
client and provide the client with a quality facility that will not only benefit the client
but the community structure as well.

OBJECTIVES

Objectives may be defined as the means by which goals are achieved and will therefore have a
measurable outcome.

1. To exhibit, maintain, and propagate a general collection of aquatic life.

2. To provide conservation techniques to the general public
3. To provide an active research facility dedicated to the preservation of aquatic life.
4. To provide a facility with high educational impact on the surrounding community.
5. To use colour and materials to reflect aquatic life and its ecological processes.
6. To use expressive forms to stimulate interest in the architecture of the facility as well
as its exhibits.
7. To provide an entrance which will draw visitors into a facility where one might begin
to think he is actually going underwater.
8. To provide a recreational/ educational facility in India that will be open 12 months of
the year.
9. To display aquatic life in a surrealistic manner.

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10. To provide a uni-directional circulation pattern so that the exhibits are cohesive to the
one preceding and the one after.
11. To provide barrier free access throughout the entire faci1ity.

SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

An oceanarium is a project completely devoted to the exhibition of aquatic plants and animals
from the various strata of the ocean as well as from other sources of water in an interesting
and informative manner with the motives of entertaining and educating the visitors.
The project would help us better our knowledge regarding the seas and about the sea life. In
captivity the behaviour of the animals can be studied without going out in the natural
environment.

The research would go hand in hand with this project. This is especially vital in
today’s world where a number of wild aquatic animals are becoming extinct. It is necessary to
make a study of their behaviour patterns to further our knowledge about their life.

A layman’s knowledge of the seas is restricted to fish food and beaches. The project
would serve the dual purpose of making the layman aware that diverse and multifarious life
exists in the seas and thereby making a point of conservation and preservation of the seas.
Such a purpose along with serving a humane purpose would also be a major tourist attraction
in the future.

Human minds have always been fascinated by this somniferous entity. The vastness,
dynamic potentialities and the great depths have remained an aura of mystery to them. Even
today man is perpetually exploring and discovering different facts of the ocean.

Water being a hostile environment for terrestrial creatures, exploitation by a layman is

restricted to cruises and beaches and still further for some fortunate few an exploration of the
water by scuba diving expeditions. Again, oceans differ from place to place even within a few
reels of street with respect to geomorphology, ecology and water characteristics.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE SITE

The site for the institute is towards the North-west of the main town. It is near the upcoming
Airport at Chipi and located near the lake at a distance of 1Km from the high water line. The
total site area is 12 acres. The site was chosen for several reasons.

Primarily it was the location close to the waterfront that would be ideal for providing a
fresh supply of water necessary for the aquarium exhibits. The other factor were that it was
already situated at a tourist location albeit one that had seen more use in the past. The fact that
the site was in a state of neglect was another factor as the plans for the revitalization of the
area due to the inception of the project became a part of the project aim. The lake near the
proposed site is still in a very good condition for use. The proximity of the site to the airport
allows great tourist potential for the Research Institute and Aquarium.

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 INTRODUCTION

REASONS FOR CHOOSING PROGRAM

The following list shows the program chosen for the project:

AQUARIUM

1. Exhibition Spaces
2. Scientists’ Room
3. Photography
4. Machine Room
5. Lobby

ADMINISTRATIVE AND MAINTENANCE SECTION

1. Restaurant Research Institute

2. Administration
3. Research Laboratories
4. Library
5. Hatchery

The Aquarium is accessible to the public and the research and administration zones
are closed off to the general public. The restaurant remains the common ground between the
two zones. The program was created in order to provide the general public with an
opportunity to educate themselves regarding the rare and endangered species that live in the
oceans as well as the dangers that they face. The restaurant and the dolphinarium were created
as supporting elements for the indoor exhibition spaces. The program for the research institute
was planned according to the needs of the labs.

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 LITERATURE SURVEY

INTRODUCTION

Experiments were first made with freshwater aquariums in the mid-19th century (R.
Warington,1849), followed shortly after by the first marine aquariums using manufactured
substitute sea water (P. H. Gosse, 1854). After the opening of the first public aquarium at
London Zoo in 1853 others began to appear all over the world and by the end of the 19th
century the attitude that aquariums should be principally scientific rather than decorative had
become established.

With this background, and the policy of specialisation now adopted by many major
aquariums, they are in many ways ahead of their zoological counterparts. Many recent
aquariums have been designed to relate directly to their immediate coastline, and present their
displays realistically in an ecological and geographical context. This diversification of the
building type is expected to continue as new aquariums seek to differentiate themselves from
existing more general exhibitions.

In the past two decades the number of aquariums as independent institutions and not
necessarily part of zoological gardens has grown rapidly worldwide. As an aquarium has a
definable space requirement it can be housed in a multi-storey building on an urban site. It can
be a commercial component of a regeneration strategy instrumental in revitalising run-down
areas, particularly those associated with a waterfront. A new aquarium can also be seen as a
vehicle to increase visitor attendance and revenue as part of a zoo. It is possible to accurately
assess cost, attendance and operating expenses of a new aquarium, and there have been
enough new facilities in the past decade to provide useful comparisons.

EXHIBIT DESIGN

Flexibility built into a new aquarium allows for periodic alterations and new exhibits, which is
important to its continuing commercial success. Consequently it will be more responsive to
new developments in exhibition techniques and will be able to respond to the increasingly
sophisticated demands of its visitors.

In an aquarium complex with several display areas, the sequence of exhibits and
information must be easily understood by visitors. The sequence may combine large tank
displays housing a variety of animals, with small tanks showing aspects of aquatic life in
detail. The trend is to encompass entire ecosystems and present living animals within the
context of their habitat, in its widest sense, while also conveying information on animal
behaviour, ecological and geographical aspects, water conservation and pollution, the fishing
industry and tidal mechanics.

The exhibits can be reinforced by a variety of multi-sensory techniques and employ

multi-media presentations. Each display addresses a particular theme where biological
information can be provided by interactive devices.

Recent aquarium designs endeavour to recreate a complete aquatic ecosystem in

which natural replenishment is possible. The specific environmental and behavioural needs of
the exhibits have to be taken into account; from the provision of rock arrangements to
accommodate rock dwellers and to allow fish to escape predators, to providing open space for
sharks to follow their continuous swim glide existence. The successful exhibit has to combine
the design skills of the architect and set designer with the expertise of the biologist.

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Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

EXHIBIT CONSTRUCTION

Improvements in glass and acrylic, from which are made the viewing panels used for
enclosing aquarium tanks and marine animal pools, have enabled the visitor to have a close
view of aquatic life.
Despite the advances in glass technology in recent years it cannot offer the versatility
provided by acrylics. Not only can acrylic be manufactured in curved shapes but it is also
possible to achieve virtually invisible full strength joints between panels of very considerable
thickness and strength. In addition, it can be shaped into dome and cylindrical sections. Dome
windows that project into the tank and tunnels heighten the underwater experience, while
cylindrical tanks are particularly effective when displaying shoaling fish.

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Acrylic is a good insulator and can cope with temperature differentials such as with
hot, humid or cold water exhibits) that could promote condensation. Acrylic panels can be
assembled with mullions, sealant joints or with bonded joints. The latter joints can be almost
invisible but if created without structural mullions they have to be designed to incorporate a
high factor of safety.

The following sizes have been achieved with acrylic elements: window pane 7.3 m by
2.4m high by 200mm thick (Living Sea, Epcot, USA); seamless cylindrical tank 1.8m in
diameter (Monterey Bay, USA); tunnel 19.8m long, 1.5m in radius (Great Barrier Reef,
Australia).

Various factors determine the decision to use acrylic or glass. Acrylic can be scratched
by pinipeds (seals, walruses and sea-lions) and turtles; on the other hand, glazed exhibits
require colour filtration to compensate for the greenish tinge. To reduce the likelihood of
condensation, glass panels have to incorporate an intermediate space filled with inert gas, or
the space can be ventilated to remove condensation. Fire presents a hazard to both glass and
acrylic: the former will crack, and the latter is inflammable, so floodlights and heaters have to
be located with care.

DESIGN OF AQUARIUM TANKS

TYPES OF AQUARIUM TANKS

TANKS WITH DIORAMIC BACKGROUND

It is usually noted that when tanks are decorated with corals, it becomes difficult to clean the
corals regularly. Without regular cleaning the corals tend to grow algae on them giving them a
dirty look. Hence avoid the corals. A dry diorama i.e. a lighted scene is created behind the wet
tank. The light also is carefully selected to avoid the noticeable transition from wet tank to the
dry tank diorama. Because light absorption of the water differs from that of air hence the
transition is felt. If cool white lamp is used in water area and daylight lamps are used in dry
areas, the transition effect is reduced.

OCEAN SHORE TANK

This is a tank that replicates the ocean shore, complete with sand, waves and the shoe animal
life. Wave machines are utilized here to produce waves so as to create a natural effect.

GIANT OCEAN TANK

It is generally a free standing cylindrical tank, 50 feet in diameter and around four stories high
with all windows all the way up and down. It has a depth of 25 feet of water. In this 20,000
gallons of salt water live sharks, sea turtles, stingray, moray eels and other marine animals.
The giant ocean tank is a large basket of glass and concrete. Compression rings to support the
outward pressure of 22 feet of water tie down its precast concrete columns together. The glass
windows surrounding the sand are 54 inches wide and 74 inches high. At the bottom of the
tank where the pressure on each panel approximates to 15 tonnes, the glass is 3 1/2 inches
thick and is made of four laminations. Glass fibre piping is used for the piping purpose to
meet the enormous pressure of water. The circulation of this tank contains 200,000 gallons of
water. The sand is piled up into a slope, then the rocks are buried deep into the slope of the
piled up sand, then the rocks hold the bank in its place and prevent it from collapsing. Rocks
or the compositions of rocks are used as a focal point for the fishes to rest. However a number
of such elements should be avoided, as shy fishes prefer to go and hide behind them thus
deterring their view.

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 LITERATURE SURVEY

SHARK CHANNEL OR TUNNEL

The shark tunnel or channel should be torroidal in shape or circular ended to allow for the
large turning radius of the sharks. The minimum width should be 24 ft. and a depth of 7 ft.

CORAL REEF TANK

These tanks represent the tidal zone of the oceans. They can go higher to depict the mid and
the bottom zone. Though the coral reef tank can be constructed fully in glass the technical and
the constructional aspect need to be detailed out precisely. A full glass coral tank requires
specific maintenance. To avoid this, R.C.C. tanks can be used such that it is punctured at
different levels thus providing the view of the different strata of the coral reefs.

The coral tank is designed so as to give the visitors a feeling of being in water and
observing closely the corals without the slightest fear of the above mentioned dangers. A
tunnel could be created so as to enable the visitors to have a deeper look at the coral
formations. Minimum depth required in the tank is 15ft. (4.5mts).

Conditions required for coral development:

1. Corals are confined to clear water less than 4000ft (122Mts) deep in nature.
2. The temperature should not go below 65 degrees F. (18 degrees C).
3. The water should have abundance of plankton to provide a food supply for the corals.

AQUARIUM TANK SHAPES

The aquarium display tanks can have different shapes according to the requirements:

RECTANGULAR BLOCK TANKS:

These types of tanks are suitable for small fishes or invertebrates living in shoals and
measuring 0.3 to 0.8m. In length the size of the tank depends on the number of exhibits to be
displayed in it. Usually for proper maintenance, tank capacity is restricted to 1500 to 2000
gallons (6750 to 9000 litres).

Advantages:
Since the form of the tank is rigid it can be grouped to form a row; this type of layout
is economical and saves on space. Tank with a height of 0.6m needs to be arranged by the
height of the visitors looking at the centre of the tank. Larger heights must have a proper
viewing window distance maintained from the viewing tank.

Disadvantage:
Since the arrangement is in a single row it tends to be repetitive and monotonous and
hence lead to museum fatigue.

SLOPING SIDEWALL TANKS:

In these tanks the sidewalls are tilted to an angle, the maximum being 45 degrees so as to
avoid the fishes from going out of the vision of the viewers.

Advantages:
Due to the angle of the sidewalls feeling of spaciousness is created as the walls go out
of the visual field of man. This sort of an arrangement facilitates better viewing. In all glass

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construction, side of the tank should be limited to the glass size, fabricated to the required
specification.
Fibreglass can be used in such cases. It is completely inert, light, readily altered,
drilled and can resist water pressure to a certain limit larger size tanks are possible with the
help of concrete for large size species.

Disadvantage:
The main disadvantage is that the spacing of these tanks needs some considerations if
it is to be made economical. Also the total volume of the tank is restricted to 2000 gallons.

ROUNDED SIDE TANKS:

In this case the sides are rounded to prevent the aquarium from looking like concrete tanks
with rigid forms. They help often to break the monotony. These are helpful especially for the
sharks that are incapable of sharp or abrupt turns.

OCEANARIUM TANKS:

Fishes, when swimming, tend to go in circles, especially fish of large size like the sharks and
dolphins. Thus the tank can be circular, oval or doughnut shaped as shown earlier.

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR TANKS

Ideal tanks are those that are least costly, light in weight, readily altered or moved, inert in the
seawater, with hard and smooth materials among other things. Though there are many
materials available for tank construction, no currently available materials from which tanks
may be produced have quite all the foregoing desirable features. The different construction
materials are as follows:

FIBERGLASS:

For small tanks containing about 2000 gallons of water fibreglass or plastic,
impregnated plywood seems to be a good choice. Fibreglass is completely inert, light weight
and can be readily altered or diluted fibreglass is probably the most practical supporting
material for all but the largest tanks since it is lightweight, strong, does not deteriorate and can
be easily fabricated into any shape. Adhesives for sealing the tank include epoxy resins,
polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber and neoprene.

GLASS:

Sheets of polished plate glass up to 6m in length can be used. As a thumb rule ¼

inches or 6mm. Thickness of the glass for 12 inches or 30 cm of depth could be allowed.
Therefore water that is 24 inches deeper requires ½ inches thick glass and 36 inches deep
requires ¾ inches thick glass. For an extra safety margin ½ inches should be increased.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is the very versatile, can be shaped into dome, and can be shaped into dome
and cylindrical sections. Dome windows that project into the tank can provide an intimate fish
eye view of the aquarium. Cylindrical tanks can provide attractive features, particularly
effective when housing shoaling fish; tunnel forms also, provide a unique underwater
experience.
Acrylic can be separated but is a good insulator to cope with temperature differences
that would otherwise promote considerations. Acrylic can be assembled with millions, sealant
joints or with bonded joints. The latter can create an almost invisible joint, but due to lack of

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structural mullions would require the panels to be designed to a higher degree of safety. Panel
sizes range from window panels 24ft long x 8ft high and 8 inches thick to tunnels 65ft long 5ft
radius.

WATER SYSTEMS

There are three basic types of water systems: open, closed and semi-closed.

OPEN WATER SYSTEMS:

In open systems the water flows through the aquarium once and is discarded. This provides
water quality comparable to that of the natural environment and there is no build-up of toxic
metabolic wastes; however, temperature control and pumping are usually costly and filtration
often is necessary. Hence an open system is not preferred.

CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS:

Water is continuously re-circulated in closed systems and is only renewed periodically.

Metabolic wastes must be treated since they are not continuously flushed from the system. An
important problem is that ammonia must be rapidly removed or transformed because it is
harmful even at very low concentrations. In the aquarium the bacteria that convert ammonia to
nitrite reside primarily in the filter material and a slow sand filter with a large surface area is
usually provided to ensure their abundance. Plant growth in the aquarium, especially in
marine systems are not usually sufficient to utilize the entire nitrate produced by bacteria from
nitrite. Although some aquariums have operated many years with a minimum of water
renewal, it is normally necessary to replace from 1 to 10 % of the water per month to maintain
a low level of nitrates. The use of charcoal in both fresh water and seawater system helps to
slow down the accumulation of nitrogenous wastes. Metabolic wastes also cause an increase
in the acidity of water. Carbonate compounds are commonly used to maintain an optimal level
of acidity, particularly when water renewal is infrequent.

SEMI-CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS:

Semi closed are the same as closed systems except that there is a constant connection to the
water supply and the problem of dissolved wastes is controlled by the regular addition of new
water; this system is more economical than the open type in terms of temperature control and
pumping.
Systems vary through simple flow through systems to completely automated re-
circulating systems with special provisions for monitoring and controlling the physical and
chemical characteristics of water.
The turnover rate or rate of water replacement, of individual aquariums is important
and should be no more than two hours. In addition, aeration by means of air stones (diffusers)
should be provided to guard against asphyxia in the event of an unexpected water supply
failure.
Fishes and invertebrates can also be maintained without filtration or aeration in
aquariums that are ‘balanced’ with plants; however, the balance between plants and animals is
very difficult to attain on a large scale or even in a normally stocked aquarium, especially a
seawater aquarium.
Freshwater pools for mammals and birds present a special problem. They generally
require a higher filtration rate and greater filter capacity because they accumulate large
amounts of faecal wastes. Air-breathing animals, however, are not highly sensitive to water
quality; thus, chemical treatments, such as chlorination, which could kill fishes, can be used to
control bacteria and to improve water quality. Seawater formulas are simpler; for e.g. a 2%
sodium chloride solution will satisfactorily maintain whales and dolphins. Seals and sea lions

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have been kept in fresh water, but this may increase their eye problems because of the osmotic
effect of the freshwater on the eye tissues.

CLOSED WATER SYSTEMS

1. Unless aquariums can be built near a dependable source of water, which is unpolluted,
disease free and clear closed water systems become necessary.
2. Completely closed system in which water is added only to make for the loss by
evaporation.
3. The closed system, which has some flows through.
4. The site selection need not be dictated by unavailable fresh water source.
5. Environmental control of various parameters such as salinity, temperature and
photoperiod.
6. Ease of monitoring as storage is in reservoirs.
7. Convenience of sampling.
8. Convenience of continuous visual monitoring.
9. Ease of maintaining several systems simultaneously.
10. Preferential selection of the biota without the danger of contamination of the water by
the plank tonic forms.

Natural water is subject to seasonal temperature fluctuations and may be subjected to

nature’s effects as storms, floods etc. it may be carry various parasites, pollutants are also
taken care of in a closed water systems.
By equipping a closed water system with good aeration and an efficient biological
filter the two most serious problems-ammonia toxicity and the change of the ph levels can be
greatly reduced.
The following parameters have to be agreed to:
1. 500 litres of cultured water are needed by per kg of animals.
2. sq.m filter.
3. Bed consisting of 2.5 mm grains of calcareous filter containing some
magnesium shall be used. A flow rate of 80 litres per minute through each sq.
m of the filter bed surface shall be maintained. Replacement of 25% of
cultured water per month or in some cases 33% every fortnight. The lamp and
the water surface will prevent damage and will cut down excessive losses due
to evaporation.

WATER TREATMENT

Water quality is of the utmost importance, as it provides the life-support medium for the
animals. Water treatment must remove animal wastes, prevent the growth of harmful micro-
organisms, remove toxic chemicals and maintain water clarity for viewing. It is necessary to
control salinity, hardness and algal growth. It is also necessary to manage turbidity (resulting
from suspension of fine air bubbles, silt etc.), colour and light levels.

An aquarium building needs a specific engineering system to service the tanks,

requiring approximately 90% of the building's area. The equipment includes filters, sterilisers,
pumping systems, heaters, reserve tanks, piping etc. Most aquariums have been located near
the sea and have an unlimited supply of sea water. The water quality in the tanks is
maintained by an 'open system', directly circulating fresh sea water. When fresh sea water is
unavailable as a result of location or impurities, a closed system in which water is recirculated
becomes necessary.

Water management filter systems include sand and gravel filters, diatomaceous earth
filters, biological and ultra-violet filters. Treatment to eliminate micro-organisms and algae

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include chlorine, ozone, ultra-violet radiation, copper salts and protein skimmers. Each
species requires a specialist designed system.

MECHANICAL FILTRATION:

It is the straining of the solid particles from the aquarium water. It does not remove directly
the dissolved ammonia nor does it remove the algae or the solid particles trapped in the plants
and other objects. Wave makers improve the chances of removing the trapped solids through
the mechanical filter or vacuum filters can also be used. Mechanical filters use filter material
such as sponge paper phlox etc. sponge being the commonest. These filter media have
numerous small pores, which trap the particles. These get clogged after some time and need to
be cleaned.

CHEMICAL FILTRATION:

This is the removal of dissolved wastes in the aquarium waters. The dissolved wastes are of
two types, polar and non-polar. Chemical filtration in case of non-polar can be actively
achieved by filtering the water through gas activated carbon. This works best on non-polar
wastes though it also removes polar wastes. Polar wastes can also be removed by another
method called protein skimming, which is very effective in removing dissolved, organic. Gas
is developed from carbon, which is processed to develop large number of minute holes, which
trap non-polar wastes at molecular level by means of ion exchange and absorption, and carries
out a process of molecular sieving. Reef aquaria people are concerned about the phosphate
leaching from activated carbon. Low ash carbons have low phosphate leaching chances and
they also reduce the chance of undesirable pH shifts.

ZEOLITE:

This is another chemical filtrate. Protein skimmers are used in reef aquariums. They have an
ability to remove organic matter before it decomposes. The process involves taking advantage
of the polar nature of the molecules, which are attracted, to the surface of air bubbles injected
by column of water. The resultant form is gathered and skimmed off.

INTEGRATED TOTAL FILTRATION:

Modern advancement in filtration technology has produced total integrated systems, which are
aimed particularly at the marine end of the fish keeping market. They include some form of
mechanical filtration followed by a biological filtration, including a denitrifying filter. For
marine tanks, such a set up also has protein skimming. In an integrated system, filter parts are
modular and easily serviceable, but the combined bulk of the systems on top of the tank often
make special hood and lighting necessary.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FILTERS

CORNER BOXES:

These are internal filters generally made as plastic boxes placed on the corners. These are
driven by an air stone, using the principle that when the air bubbles rise in water they pull the
water with them. The water is passed through one or more media in a box or cylinder in the
tank. This system is fairly inefficient with a poor draw and is now less widely used.

UNDER GRAVEL FILTERS:

Under gravel filters work by passing the water through the gravel layer, this sits on top of a
perforated plate. Water can be pumped by airlift with the bubbles lifting water through a water

16
 LITERATURE SURVEY

column in a vertical tube attached to the plate. Power heads are attached to increase the flow
of water. UGF’s are good biological filters since the slow flow of water fosters large colonies
of bacteria in the filter, which neutralize the ammonia. But they are bad mechanical filters
because the fish wastes get pulled away inside the gravel and it gets clogged.

A reverse flow under gravel filter is available to solve this problem.

SPONGE FILTERS:

These provide an efficient and economical form of biological filtration. Water is forced
through the porous foam by means of power, heads or by bubbling air-by-air tubes. The flow
of water through the foam fosters the growth of bacteria in the foam and biological filtration
takes place.

POWER FILTERS:

These consist of a siphon tube, which pulls water from the tank into a filter box and passes it
through a mechanical filter. The sponge acts as a double filter media for biological filtration to
take place. An internal filter then returns the filtered water to the aquarium. These power
filters are much easier to maintain like the power filters are available in a variety of sizes a
design as suited to the requirements of the tanks.

Power filters are also available with a number of fancy features. Many are assorted
with chemical filtration media such as granular activated carbon.

CANISTER FILTERS:

These are designed for powerful mechanical filtration. The water is pumped, at moderate
pressure, through a filter medium such as glass wool or micron filter cartridge. They are
useful in aquaria having large messy eaters. They can be hung on the tank. When they sit on
the bottom of the tank they are known as submersible filters.

TRICKLE FILTERS:

These work on the principle that the beneficial colonies of ammonia nitrifying bacteria grow
best in the presence of well-oxygenated water. By trickling over unsubmerged objects, the
wet/dry filters provide a large surface area. They are available in many shapes and sizes. The
boom in successful saltwater aquariums can be contributed to the use of this kind of filters.

PROTEIN SKIMMERS:

Protein skimmers were initially developed for uses in industrial sewage treatment plant where
they are also known by the term foam fractionate. Protein skimmers have the unique ability to
remove dissolved organic wastes before they are decomposed. This is accomplished by the
fact that organic matter is attracted to the surface of bubbles, which are partial large numbers
through a water column. The foam is then skimmed off the water, and at the same time
removing the organic wastes. The foaming process only takes place in water. Of high pH and
salinity and hence this system is only used in marine water aquariums.

17
 LITERATURE SURVEY

Figure 5

Figure 6

18
 LITERATURE SURVEY

DENITRATORS:

These work on the principle of biological filtration. These fall into categories, the anoxic
bacterial and plant/ algal scrubbers. It works on a principle discovered that colonies of
bacteria which grow in oxygen poor environments can be harnessed to biologically consumed
ammonia and release harmless nitrogen gas. This was done by two methods. But reported
failures were heard about this type. These aquariums involve the use of large amount of
harvested from tropical reefs, which are reported to have good nitrogen content in the live
rocks.

ALGAE SCRUBBERS:

Algae scrubbers make use of live algae to do the filtration. The water is run over a wire mesh
in a trough under bright lights, where algae are encouraged to grow. The growth of algae
removes some pollutants from the water. This is a controversial form of filtration for the reefs
and large marine ecosystems. Some are of the opinion that if the complete filtration solution
others are of the opinion that it leads to poor water quality and algal growth in the tank as
well.

One interesting characteristic and underlined principle behind this growth of turf algae
is the necessity for grazing by members of the animal population. The algae must be cut back
or grazed, much like the grasses in the backyard or the other spaces, which are not as efficient
at removing nutrients from the system, will develop. The use of 1000 micro window screen
allows easy scrapping of the algal filaments and provides a protective matrix in which the
basal portions of the algae can grow. The screen is removed from the tray, scraped with a
piece of straight-edged perspects rinsed and placed back into the tray. The algae that have
been removed along with the absorbed nutrients is dried in an oven and weighed. This is done
to help determine how efficient the scrubber is during various times of the year. The algal turf
scrubber is a way of increasing surface area for algal growth and the greater efficiency and
removing nutrients.

Algae are the key to keeping the water clean. They remove waste from the water and
put oxygen back in at the aquarium they are found outside the tank. The farm grows special
algae in 72 separate shallow trays (scrubbers) on the roof of the building. In each scrubber
algae grow on 2 m. –square plastic mesh screens over which the aquarium water is passed in a
surging motion to increase the growth rate. The algae grow quickly, forming a lawn, which
requires a mowing every 5 to 14 days. Mowing involves scraping the algae from the screens
with a piece of straight-egged perspire. Productivity of the scrubbers can be increased by the
use of powerful 1000-watt lights at night to extend the effective day length for photosynthesis.

STERILIZATION:

In especially sensitive aquaria the infections resulting from water borne parasites, fungi,
bacterium, and virus can cause serious problems. Water sterilization is most important for
breeders, for centralized multi-tank filtration, for delicate and closely spaced setups such as
large tanks and reef systems. Healthy aquaria depend upon beneficial bacteria growing on the
filter media, which neutralizes ammonia. Total sterilization is not desirable. Two main types
of sterilization are used ozone injection and ultraviolet irradiation.

BY OZONE:

Ozone is highly reactive and is a powerful oxidizer of organic pollutants, including live
pathogens. It also systematically reduces dissolved organic compounds in the water stream,
which increases the reserve capacity of the water to oxidize organic waste through the
aquarium. Ozone laden water also improves the ability of protein skimmers to generate foam,

19
 LITERATURE SURVEY

which increases their overall performances. But ozone gas is highly corrosive and is very
unsafe for breathing hence is not recommended.

ULTRAVIOLET STERILIZATION:

High intensity ultraviolet light destroys the DNA in the living cells and can be used as an
effective means to control living pathogens. The most effective light is the high energy UV
light roughly around the wavelength of 250 angstroms. To be effective the UV light should
expose the pathogens to a high enough light intensity for a long enough period.

LIGHTING

Good lighting design is a fundamental component of a successful aquarium. ‘Aquarium

principle’ lighting was introduced with the early aquariums, where the viewing area receives
only indirect light from top-lit tanks. This method remains the logical basis for exhibition
design, whereby light sources should be hidden and directed away from the visitors. For tanks
combining underwater tunnel viewing with side panel viewing lighting is more complex. If it
is the intention to suggest a natural underwater habitat, the appearance through the water of
other visitors or the reflection of signs and light sources will destroy the impression. Location
of light sources can give an impression of greater space; by locating floodlights over a large
tank at the opposite end from the public access the impression of a great volume and depth of
water with shafts of light penetrating to the sea bed is achieved.
Lighting can be designed to reflect the quality of the daylight found in the region forming the
subject of the exhibition. This can be achieved by varying the angle, intensity and colour of
the lights. Fluorescents, giving a predominantly cool, all pervasive light source, represent the
quality in temperate zones, while warmer incandescent and metal halide sources give the
effect of tropical light. Within these general categories particular effects such as dappled light
through overhead leaf canopies or shafts of sunlight penetrating deep ocean waters can be
achieved.

TYPES OF LIGHTING

Lighting manufacturers have responded to the different needs of the aquarists by providing a
range of bulb type and qualities. In general the human eye responds to the aquaria lit with
yellow green light because it appears warmer and more appealing. Plants however prefer
red/blue ends of the spectrum. Although some light is absorbed in the water, the average
aquarium is not deep enough or normally not cloudy enough, for these to make an appreciable
difference.

NATURAL LIGHTING:

This is a correct spectrum range for all animals and plants. This encourages algal growth. But
this is quite unpredictable and uncontrollable. Excess of sunlight would cause excessive
growth of algae, which would suffocate the aquarium.

TUNGSTEN LIGHTING:

These are extremely unsuitable as a form of illumination for any type of modern aquarium.
They do not give an optimum light spectrum for good plant growth and are efficient,
converting most of the energy into heat, rather than into useful light output. They are therefore
no longer recommended as they have nothing to offer to the aquarist.

20
 LITERATURE SURVEY

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING:

Fluorescent tubes are the most suitable form of aquarium lighting. They give a better spread
of light and are relatively cheap to run in cool operation.

ENHANCED RED/BLUE:

Output contains the correct spectrum for the plant requirements and is thus good for plant
growth. Light output is low, however therefore this type of lighting is generally used in
conjunction with full spectrum bulb.

FULL SPECTRUM:

This stimulates daylight and is extremely useful where space permits only one bulb.

SPOT LIGHTING:

These are ideal for creating dramatic and for emphasizing any surface water movement. They
are particularly useful for punching light down to the relatively deep tanks. Focusing the
spotlight on a particular tank will benefit the sea anemones, for example who will migrate to
that area to look into the brighter spot.

MERCURY VAPOR LAMPS:

The point source light produced is bluish white, which gives a sea bed effect will sow fishes
off in their best colours in the aquarium. These are suitable for large public aquariums, where
their light output can be colour corrected with a supplementary lighting in a different spectral
balance.

HIGH PRESSURE MERCURY VAPOR:

High power lighting for tanks deeper than 45 cm. It is less costly than metal halide; it has a
fairly broad spectrum, but is lacking in blue/green wavelengths and requires blue
supplementary lighting.

METAL HALIDE LAMPS:

Although its lamp has a tungsten filament, it produces a more intense light that an ordinary
tungsten lamp. Any tungsten evaporated from the filament at a extremely high operating
temperature combines with the halogen vapour within the quartz envelope of the lamp and is
re-deposited back on to the filament, extending its effect on us. Mounted 30 cm above the
tank, in a suitably designed reflector, a 150-watt lamp will illuminate the area of
approximately 1800 cm. This light is more pleasing than pressure mercury vapour because it
has improved red/yellow output. Produces an intense light suitable for marine tanks,
especially the deep ones. This is the most expensive form of lighting and requires a large
housing

21
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

LOCATION:

The proposed site is located near Tondavali, Malvan Village in Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra.

SITE DETAILS

ABOUT SINDHUDURG

Sindhudurg is an administrative district in the state of Maharashtra in India, which was

carved out of the erstwhile Ratnagiri District. The district headquarters are located at Oros.
The district occupies an area of 5207 km² and has a population of 849,651 of which 12.59%
were urban (as of 2011).
As of 2011 it is the least populous district of Maharashtra (out of 39).
Sindhudurg is bordered on the north by Ratnagiri District, on the south by the state
of Goa, on the west by the Arabian Sea, and to the east across the crest of the Western Ghatsor
Sahyadris is Kolhapur District. Sindhudurg is part of Konkan (coastal) region, a
narrow coastal plain in western Maharashtra which lies between the Western Ghats and the
Arabian Sea.
Agriculture
Major Crops

1. Coconut
2. Kokam
3. Mango
4. Cashew
5. Rice

Annual Crop Kokam, Mango, Cashew Irrigated 33,910 Hector Non-Irrigated. 104,390 Hector
Forest 38,643 Hector 74% of total land holding in the district, are held by small and marginal
farmers. The irrigated area is only 23.48% through well and small channels.
Irrigation
Major Projects 2 (Tilari & Talamba) Medium Projects 4 Small Projects State owned :
33, Z.P. owned : 460
Education Section
Primary Schools Zilla Parishad – 1469, Private – 49 Secondary Schools Grantable :
184, Central Govt. : 1, Private : 22 Junior Colleges :43 Senior Colleges :7 D.Ed./ BEd
Colleges: 4 + 1 Medical Colleges :2 Engineering Colleges: 1 Polytechnic Colleges :3
Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)- (7) 1.Sawntwadi 2.Malvan 3.Deogad 4.Sindhudurgnagari
5.Vengurla 6.Phondaghat 7.Vaibhavwadi
Fisheries
Sea Coast Length 121 km Fishing Area 16000 km2. Main Fisheries Centers – (8) Vijaydurg,
Devgad, Achara, Malvan, Sarjekot, Kochara, Vengurla, Shiroda Fisherman Population 25365
Total Fish Production 19273 M. Tons Fisheries Co.Op. Soc. 34 (Total Members 14216)
LAND USE (2010-11) Forest Area: 386.43 sq. km. Net Area Sown : 1522.00 sq. km.
Cultivable Area : 3222.00 sq. km

22
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

23
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

MASTER PLAN ZONING

Figure 10

24
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

NEIGHBORHOOD ANALYSIS

Commercial and Residential Projects are

proposed 10km from the site

Figure 11

Hotels are built near the site (6km).

Figure 12

A petrol pump is available at 6km from the

site.

Figure 13

Residences are mostly villages on the site.

Figure 14

25
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

NATURAL ELEMENTS PRESENT IN THE SURROUNDINGS

There are mainly Palm trees present on the mostly all over the land. The agriculture lands are
very limited rest are forests.

The site is surrounded by Gad Lake on all sides and hence a temporary port is
available for boats to approach the other side of the site where there is another port available
for boats which is charged for Rs. 10 each ride.

There are temporary stairs built up to reach the site. Also the water level rises at 12pm
and half of the flight gets submerged in the lake and even during heavy rainfall water starts
rising up to the land

Figure15
Figure 15 Figure 16

Figure 17
Figure 18

Figure 19 Figure 20

26
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

THE CONNECTIVITY TO THE MAIN ROAD AND OTHER SUB ROADS

HIGHWAYS

The site is connected to Mumbai-Goa highway. Total width of the road is 12m wide.

The sub-highway is connected to the Mumbai- Goa highway. Total width of the sub- highway
is 9m wide.

The main highway is diverged into two directions, one of which goes to Mumbai and the other
to Tondavali, Malvan village (the site).

Figure 21 Figure 22

HIGHWAYS
Figure 23

Figure 24 Figure 25

27
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

SUB-ROADS
Figure 26

DISTANCES FROM THE MAJOR LANDMARKS

Figure 27

28
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

MAJOR LANDMARKS NEAR THE SITE

Figure 28

Sindhudurg Fort (Ocean Fort) is about 9 km from Malvan town.

Figure 29

Tondavali Beach is about (19 km North of Malvan)

Figure 30

Rameshwar Temple is about (23 km north of Malvan)

29
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

Figure 31

Rock Garden - The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of
Malvan and is about 19.2 km.

Sindhudurg Railway station is about 47 km from the site.

Chipi Airport is about 9km from the site.

Kudal Bus Stop is about 46 km from the site.

LOCAL, BUILDING BYE-LAWS & AREA OF THE SITE, VOLUMETRIC STUDY OF

THE BUILDING BASED ON PERMISSIBLE GROUND COVERAGE, FAR, SETBACKS,

HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AND PARKING NORMS

USE PREMISES EQUIVALENT CAR SPACES (ECS) PER 100 SQ.M OF FLOOR AREA

City centre, district centre, hotel, cinema and others- 1.00-2.00.

Community centre, local shopping centre, convenience shopping centre- 0.50-1.50.

Public and semi- public facilities nursing home, hospitals ( other than govt,) , social, cultural
and other institutions , govt, and semi – govt, offices -0.50-1.50

Schools , colleges and university and govt. Hospitals- 0.25-0.75

FOR THE PROVISION OF CAR PARKING SPACES: open parking 18.0sq.m per eq.car
space.

For ground floor covered parking 23 sq.m per eq. car space.

For basement 28.sq.m per eq. car space.

Building heights & FAR: Max. Ground coverage-30%, Max Floor Area Ratio 70,Max Height
-26m,In Hills 15m .

Parks & Landscape-15% of the Total Land Area.

Setbacks

30
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

Front- 15m, Side- 9m

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SITE

CLIMATE

The climate of Malvan is typical of monsoon regions, cool and dry seasons with low intensity
of north-eastern winds from the land (Nov.-Feb.) and hot-dry season from March-May
followed by rainy season (June-Sep.)

Temperature
The avg. temp ranges from 16.5ºC-33.1ºC with min. values & max. values in Jan. and may
resp..The avg. relative humidity varies from 69.4% in April to 98% in July.

Rainfall
The annual rainfall is 2275mm. Most of the rainfall occurs during June-October. The avg.
monthly rainfall ranges from 6.5mm in April to 983mm in July.

Figure 32

Figure 33

31
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

Figure 34

SUN PATH DIAGRAM

Figure 35

POSSIBLE POLLUTING SOURCES IN THE SURROUNDING

Villages on the site are the main cause of pollution in the lake. But also the project can be a
major cause of concern in the matters of pollution in terms of air, noise and water if not
monitored efficiently.

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS IN THE VICINITY

The main sensitive part of the site is the lake around at the distance of less than 1km that can
cause tsunami or cyclones which can destroy everything

32
 SITE STUDY & ANALYSIS

TOPOGRAPHY OF THE SITE

As seen from the pictures the site is relatively flat and will prove to be difficult while planning
different services.

Foundations that depend on frozen ground may be impacted by surface and ground water
flows and ponded water during the summer. The foundation recommended for the soil type is
Pile foundation.

TYPE OF SOIL

The soil texture of the district is saline (formed due to the deposition of silt from the sea or
from lands reclaimed from the sea have inferior bearing capacity in their natural condition.

SITE DRAINAGE

There is no drainage system on the site which is also one of the reasons of pollution.

SITE SERVICES

WATER SUPPLY

Drinking water is not available on the site and the govt. makes the water supply to the site by
tankers. The available water on the site can be used for daily based work.

ELECTRICITY POLES, LINES, TOWERS

There is electricity poles only on the road connected to the site which proves that there is
source of electricity available but has not reached the site.

CONCLUSION

The proposed project is a benefit for the place and its people as it is going to provide them
another source of income. Tourism will increase and village can be developed and turned into
a town or city in near future and its people will be able to avail many facilities and lead a
better lifestyle.

Apart from the only drawback is the pollution caused by the project if not efficiently
monitored and also the water level of the site is high as if any pits are dug on the site water
rises up which is proven to be beneficial for villagers for irrigation but will be a hindrance to
the construction of project and efficient construction techniques are to be adopted for example
in the case on Monterey Bay Aquarium, California which will be analysed later in the report.

33
 NATIONAL AQUARIUM
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

BASIC PROJECT DETAILS

OWNER: City of Baltimore

ARCHITECT:: Peter Chermayeff at Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc.
CONTRACTOR: Whiting
Whiting-Turner Contracting
COST: 1979 @ ^21.3 million
NUMBER OF SPECIMEN: More than 500 specimens, representing 500 species of fish, bird,
reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants and marine mammals.

LOCATION: The National Aquarium is located at 501 E Pratt Street in the Inner Harbour
area of Baltimore, Maryland in the United States.

AIM:
1. Making known the unity of life through water with a combination of recreation and
educational and research programs.
2. The aquarium and its contents to give an experience more engaging than just
staring at the incurious gaze of the fishes in the tan
tanks.
3. To be not the ocean alone or even any contained water bodies such as lakes, ponds,
rivers etc. but water itself as the basis of life.

SITE CONNECTIVITY: The site is connected with E. Pratt St. road. The
T site can be
approached from the inner Baltimor
Baltimore harbour also through boat.

WATER BODIES NEAR THE SITE: At the rear there is inner Baltimore bay. The water for
the aquarium is brought up from this bay.

TOPOGRAPHY: The aquarium is built on flat terrain without any contours.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
CONDITIONS: Maryland is classified at being temperate of climate, which is
predominately determined as, in the northern hemisphere, being located between the tropic of
cancer (23º 27' north latitude) and the Arctic Circle (66º 33' north latitude).

Average annual prec

precipitation: 40.76 inches. Peaks in July and August when
thunderstorms average once every five days.

Average annual temperature: 55.1 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures occur in

July, the warmest month, averaging in the mid to upper 80s. Low temperatures in January, the
coldest month, average in the low to mid 20s.

Figure 36

34
Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

35
PLAN WITH FUNCTIONS

Figure 40

36
 There is visual excitement to the
National Aquarium from the moment
of entry, which is up a two-story,
two
outdoor escalator. From there the
visitor moves into a lobby decorated
by tubes of bubbling water, which are
intended to serve as a thematic
introduction to the idea of water: as
visitors move through the building,
there is more and more water visible
until, as they walk through the last
segment, they are totally surrounded
by it.

There
here is a view into a multi-
storeyed central space, its high
concrete wall decorated by a blue
b neon
graphic in the form of an ocean wave.

There
here is also a special section,
entitled ''Children's Cove,'' that is a
walk-in
in simulation of a piece of the
Maine coastline, where children will
be able to handle live sea creatures.

Figure 41 From these exhibits one moves

to the top of the building into a 64-
64
foot-high
high pyramid of glass that co
contains a simulated rain forest. It is a spectacular space - and
a wonderful and a bizarre visual experience to be immersed, as one is here, in rich tropical
vegetation and then to see beyond it through a modern steel and glass space framed to a view
of the Baltimore skyline.

Next, and last,, are a pair of vast tanks, one atop the other and each shaped something
like a racetrack. The visitor moves from the rain forest over the tanks into the centre and
descends, level by level, on a series of ramps. The upper tank contains a reproduction of aan
Atlantic coral reef; the lower tank is a sampling of the open ocean, including a variety of
sharks.

37
 Exhibits Categories:
The aquarium has uses sophisticated
theme exhibits areas as under.
• Wings under water-
water
It is a ray exhibit. Southern
stingrays, cow nose rays and blunt
nose rays, etc. 50 rays in all can be
seen
en gliding in this ray exhibit in their
spectacular 260,000-gallon
260,000 salt-water
pool.
• Atlantic coral reef-
reef
Contained in a 13 ft deep
doughnut
nut shaped tank, this exhibit
features dazzling tropical fishes
swimming throughout fibreglass
simulation of the coral reef. It holds
335,000 gallons i.e. 15, 15 24, 25,000
Lars of water.
• Open ocean-
Also called as the shark tank
this oval tank houses several
sever species
such as sandbars, sand tigers, etc. it
holds 222,000 gallons of water.
• South American rain forest:
Over 700 species of tropical
plants thrive in the 64 ft. tall glass
pyramid atop the aquarium. It also
contains 25 species of fish including
tetras
ras and piranhas. It also houses over
30 brightly colour tropical birds such
as hawk headed parrots, blue crowned
mot-moths
moths and tanagers.

Figure42
Figure 16 • Sea pool: 70,000 gallons i.e. 318,500
litres,, capacity pool houses numerous
harbour seals and a pair of gray seals.
• Surviving through adaptation:
This exhibit consists of 22 galleries. The visitors experience the complex and
Often beautiful adaptations of various marine animals and to discover how these adaptations
help the animal to survive in its environment. These include the following:
a. Long fish and their defensive spikes.
b. Deep-sea
sea pinecone fish and their bio luminance.
c. Sea anemone and their brilliant colours.
d. Octopus and their giant specifications.
e. Electric eel.
• North Atlantic to pacific gallery
gallery-spans planets oceans.
• The children cove on this floor allows visitors of all ages to handle inter tidal Marine
animals. Computerized display depicts effects of human activity.
• On tropical rain forests.
• Mountains to the sea.
1. Allegheny mountain pond
2. Tidal marsh exhibit.
3. Coastal beach.

38
4. A simulation of the Atlantic shelf.

GEOMETRY & STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING

The building itself is a heavy and boxy concrete form, rather Brutalist in style but
lightened by the glass pyramid on its roof, by a smaller glass pyramid at its entrance, and by
colored panels on the side. It is a building of more energy than grace; in another context it
would be awkward, even ugly. But here on the Baltimore waterfront it seems to float at the
edge of the sea like a great concrete and glass sail. Perhaps the Second Best

There are no other buildings beside the aquarium; its site juts out on a pier, and its
flamboyant forms can stand free. The simple geometric forms of the aquarium loosely recall
those of I.M. Pei's Kennedy Library near Boston; here again there are great concrete boxes
juxtaposed against trusses of metal and glass. But where the Kennedy Library is tight and
restrained, the National Aquarium bursts out in all directions. This is a building of clear
enthusiasm: we almost sense that the architects could not contain their own excitement, and
this zest is communicated through every aspect of the new building.

The aquariums main form is conceived as a device for the organizing a progression of
the experience so involving that you forget the architecture. Within the building the
orchestration of exhibits is so merged with their visual and spatial framework that the
architecture becomes invariably a part of the visitors, an experience.

Cambridge seven, the planning team, aimed from the very beginning to plan the
aquarium and its contents to give an experience more engaging than just staring at the
incurious gaze of the fishes in the tanks.

There is no literal connection to the water in this building; its design does not echo the
traditional forms of marine architecture, for example. But it is ideally suited to its purpose,
which one might describe as threefold: to provide a coherent and exciting place for the display
of marine life, to provide a lively architectural experience, and to provide a punctuation mark
on the Baltimore waterfront.

Figure 43

39
CIRCULATION

On entering the lobby area the visitor first encounters a water toy, transparent tubes of
bubbling and gurgling blue water that screens the if shop beyond and deflects the incoming
traffic away from the out bound circulation stream. As the visitor enters the main exhibit area,
he then passes in to the silence and the shadows of the underwater world; a soaring cavern
crunched with balconies and docks aand nd rises crossed by up reaching bridges. Just below the
bridges one stares into the pond where the dolphins covert. Further across the way dark
silhouettes continue to glide sinuously at the eye level; this is the horrifying preview of the
shark pool. All around this place are the underwater illuminations
inations of the dolphin pool the
th
undulating neon lights that warp the ring tank. Inside and outside, and the colourful glow of
the surrounding exhibits. These are in turn picked by the reflective surfaces of the ceilings
ce and
the underside of the ramps, bounced back to the never still water of the pool, and diffracted
into kaleidoscope play of moving light and colours. The visitors continue to follow the
upward spiral, through exhibits galleries edging the central space,
ace, crossing the void with each
change in level.
The flow of circulation is clear but is not insistent. To prevent museum fatigue and to
hold on to the spirits of the visitors the upward path progresses along an ABBA rhythm. In
this the sensual and the in
intellectual
tellectual elements of the detailed exhibits are encountered by the
complimentary expansiveness of the space itself. If the visitor is tired physically or mentally
he can drop out of the path to loiter in the culcul-de-sac
sac or he might ease himself off by just
gazing down at the dolphins cavorting in the luminous pool below the bridge. The dolphins at
any point form a point of reference before being beckoned onward to glimpse the exhibits
around the next bend.
The upward journey terminates into a major suspense in the form of the dense and
humid jungle of the rain forest; the visitor descends to the surface of the water in the ring tank
and the warp, around the painted horizon, before drifting down thaw enclosing tanks and the
depths.
The visitor witness the fir
first
st mystery of the deep oceans in the form of coral reefs,
which’s brilliantly, colored inhabitants scoop and dart under the occasional shadow of more
formidable fish. The sinister forms of sharks and rays surround descending father down the
visitor before moving gracefully onto a lower expanse of the windows looking from
underwater to the dolphin pool. The final lap is up to the lobby level, where summary exhibits
traces the role of man as explorer and exploiter of the fragile life giving sea.

Figure 44

40
Figure 45

SERVICES

FILTRATION SYSTEMS: CLOSED VS. OPEN

The National Aquarium has closed filtration systems. These are systems in which
exhibit water is recirculated through filters and reused. Because Baltimore Harbour has low
salinity(less than 1/4-1/5
1/5 that of regular sea water) and pollutants which make it unsuitable for
aquarium use, the Aquarium makes its own sea water using Baltimore City fresh water mixed
with our own special blend of salts. An example of a closed system is the Shedd Aquarium
Aquari in
Chicago. In open systems, water is “put into one end of the tank and dumped out the other.”
The exhibit water is pumped from a natural body of water like the ocean, flows through the
system, and is released back into that body.

41
WATER TREATMENT

The exhibits at the National Aquarium display animals that live in fresh, brackish, and
salt water. The Aquarium is not located close to a suitable source of any one of these types
of water and therefore uses Baltimore City tap water. Tap water is filtered to remove chlorine
and other substances that are harmful to aquatic organisms. This water is then used directly in
freshwater exhibits such as the Allegheny Stream exhibit and the Shocking exhibit, or in the
production of synthetic sea water.

All the Aquarium’s marine animals are maintained in synthetic sea water. Synthetic
sea salt mixes combined with filtered fresh water provide a medium in which marine life can
live by combining over thirty different elements in various amounts. There are many different
formulas of synthetic sea salts, and research in refining and improving them is ongoing. From
l98l to l99l the Aquarium used the commercial sea salt mix called Instant Ocean. In l992 the
Aquarium developed its own formula that is better suited to our collections’ needs.
The new “recipe,” which is made on-site, is currently being used throughout the Aquarium.
Some of the back-up tanks and the seahorse lab, however, still utilize commercial mixes.

FILTRATION

Whether it is fresh or salt, the water in the exhibits must be cleaned of animal wastes.
This is done largely by filtration. Three types are used throughout the Aquarium: biological,
mechanical, and chemical. Ozonation is also used in the water treatment process.

Biological Filtration is the conversion of nitrogenous wastes to less toxic nitrogenous

compounds by the action of bacteria living on a suitable substrate such as a gravel bed or
plastic structures called bio balls. The bacteria can also be found on the surface of the tank
walls and in the plumbing.

Mechanical Filtration is the removal of suspended particles from the water by some
type of filter medium such as sand or floss. A rapid sand filter is an example of mechanical
filtration which uses layers of gravel, sand and fine coal to trap particles.

Chemical Filtration is the removal of dissolved organic compounds. Dissolved organic

material can cause the water to have a yellow appearance. This is remedied using a carbon
filter or foam fractionators. Some harmful compounds and medications can also be removed
through chemical filtration.

These types of filtration are best illustrated by following the path of water as it
circulates through the Atlantic Coral Reef or the Open Ocean tanks keeping in mind that the
two systems do not intermingle. Water leaves these exhibits by means of a surface skimmer
that keeps specimens in the exhibit while it takes off waste products, trash, and the oils and
fats present on the surface as a result of feeding. This water falls to the filtration room by
gravity where several processes take place.

First, the water is divided and pumped through rapid sand filters. These filters are
packed with fine layers of sand and gravel. The water travels through the filters at a rate of
approximately 600 to 800 gallons per minute, and waste particles are trapped in mineral layers
(mechanical filtration).

Reversing the water flow, which forces particles up and out into a catch basin,
frequently cleans the filters. This cleaning process is called “backwashing.” The backwash

42
water is then sewage treatment plant via the sewer. The cleaned backwash water is returned to
the original tank, thereby conserving water.

After the water from the Open Ocean exhibit leaves the sand filters approximately
90% is routed to the bio-filter for biological filtration and 10% is routed to the ozone
contactor. The bio-filter consists of a series of distribution troughs through which the water
flows spilling over the sides onto the bio-filter plates below. The bio-filter plates provide lots
of surface area for beneficial bacteria to colonize. As the water trickles over the plates it is
exposed to two types of bacteria living on the plates. The first bacterium, genus
Nitrosomonus, oxidizes ammonia (NH3 and NH+4), a toxic waste product excreted by most
aquatic organisms, leaving nitrite (NO-2). A second bacterium, genus Nitrobacter, oxidizes
the still toxic nitrite and converts it to nitrate (NO-3), which is relatively nontoxic.

A small portion of the ammonia is also lost as a gas to the atmosphere surrounding the
plates. The trickling action oxygenates the water and off-gases CO2 as it passes over the
plates much like a waterfall oxygenates water in a stream.
The water leaving the bio-filter and the ozone contactor is then collected in a large tank called
the sump. Pumps draw the water up from the sump compartment and back to the respective
tanks.
The water may be pumped directly into the exhibit at midwinter level or into the
bottom of each tank through the under gravel filter. This action prevents the build-up of
organic particles and debris in the gravel bed. The gravel bed also acts as a substrate for
bacteria (a bio-filter). This entire filtration process is termed “Reverse Flow,” as it follows a
path the opposite of that typical of home aquariums with under gravel filters.
The principals and procedures of filtration are the same for the Aquarium’s smaller freshwater
and saltwater exhibits. In many tanks at the Aquarium a simple undergravel filter is used to
clean the water. A filter plate is placed in the bottom of the tank and covered with a layer of
gravel. The gravel provides a place for Nitrosomonus and Nitrobacter to live.

Air columns and air stones circulate the water down through the gravel where the
bacteria can convert the ammonia to nitrate. Food particles and other debris are also pulled
down into the gravel. To remove increasing nitrate levels and particles in the gravel a small
percentage of water (usually 10%) is replaced about once a week in smaller tanks. A water
change also replaces essential trace elements that organisms have used.

OZONE

Ozone, also referred to as “super charged oxygen,” is a gas that most people have
unknowingly come in contact with during and after an electrical storm. The pungent odour
that lingers in the air following a lightning discharge is ozone gas. Chemically speaking,
ozone is O3; three atoms of oxygen bonded together. To form ozone, a considerable amount
of energy in the form of electricity or ultra-violet radiation from the sun must come in contact
with O2. The energy causes O2 to form a bond with another oxygen atom, forming O3. Ozone
is very unstable and reacts readily with carbon compounds. Ozone disinfects water through
oxidation. As ozone (O3) decomposes to O2 a great deal of energy is released, breaking apart
other chemical elements. By breaking the bonds which hold the elements of an organic
compound together, ozone has the ability to destroy bacteria, fungi, viruses, and large organic
molecules. Ozone has been used in this way for drinking water purification in Europe since
l907. Compared to chlorine, another oxidizing agent, ozone has several benefits. For example,
it does not combine with organic compounds in the water to form toxic substances called
chloramines. An ozone generator manufactures ozone by passing electricity through dry air.
The ozone is pumped to a contact chamber. Because high concentrations of ozone are
dangerous to all living things, water is passed through the contact chamber where it reacts
with the ozone rather than adding the ozone to exhibits. As the water moves in one direction
through a series of baffles the ozone is pumped in the opposite direction, setting up a counter-

43
current exchange system, which allows for maximum concentration differences between
organics and ozone. After five minutes, any ozone remaining in the chamber is vented to the
outside through an ozone destruction unit where it is converted back to O2.

Ozone can be dangerous to humans. In the event that a leak occurs in the pump room,
a leak detector and automatic shutoff have been incorporated into the system. The shut-off
operates independently of the main computer in the pump room. If for any reason the
computer malfunctions, the shutoff system would still be operational. Virtually all aquariums
in this country, as well as many European and Japanese facilities, use ozone for water
purification.

OXYGENATION
Oxygenation, a process whereby oxygen (O2) diffuses into water, occurs wherever
water comes into contact with air. Carbon dioxide (CO2), a waste product of animal and plant
metabolism, is given off at this time. This exchange occurs at many places: the surface of the
tank, the bio-filter and the air bubble surfaces around air stones.

TEMPERATURES

The temperature in the Atlantic Coral Reef, Open Ocean, and Ray Tray are precisely
regulated according to season. Chillers on each system keep the water from becoming too
warm during the warmer months, while heaters (rarely used) can warm the water in the
winter. Solid-state thermostats regulate each tank’s temperature to a tenth of a degree while
displaying it continuously on a monitor. Aquarists and laboratory technicians control the
temperature, adjusting the settings on a monthly basis according to a yearly temperature
schedule that closely replicates temperatures in the natural environment. The Rain Forest has
both heating and cooling systems. During the summer, vents and air-conditioning are used to
keep the temperature from getting too high. In winter, the Rain Forest is heated by an electric
heating system, as well as through solar heating. Humidity must be kept high for optimum
plant growth. This is accomplished with a mist system that simulates rainforest conditions.

LIGHT

A basic problem concerning light is providing a realistic day/night cycle for the
animals. To reduce stress, most animals require an orderly alternation of dark and light, which
gives them alternate periods of activity and rest. The Aquarium tries to approximate the
animal’s natural situation, whether the animals are nocturnal (night active) or diurnal (day
active).Also, the length of the light period (photoperiod) directly affects reproduction in many
species where seasonal breeding occurs. This is particularly true for birds; the Aquarium
cannot keep lights on in the Rain Forest at night during the winter evenings and expect the
birds to breed normally. Continuous long days cause the birds to breed themselves to
exhaustion. Several exhibits have very low light intensity. One such exhibit is the octopus,
which is usually nocturnal and would hide in brighter light. The light intensity in most
exhibits is too low to support much plant growth. This is because the light intensity required
to grow plants would be too bright in most instances for people viewing the exhibit as well as
many of the animal specimens in the exhibits.

Therefore, most of the large seaweeds and grasses on display are plastic replicas.
There are diatoms (single-celled algae) which are adapted to low light intensities growing in
the Atlantic Coral Reef and several other exhibits. These appear as brown “dust” covering
rockwork and windows. These diatoms are not highly regarded dietary items and are scrubbed
off of windows and rocks. Small filamentous algae have become established in several tanks.
These are more desirable species and are allowed to remain in place. Many serve as natural
food for some animals. The Tidal Marsh, Moving, Occupying, Shocking and Pacific Coral

44
Reef exhibits have light levels bright enough to raise plants. Perhaps the most interesting use
of light is in the Pacific Coral Reef and Occupying exhibits (living coral). Here both the
quality (wavelength) and quantity of light are sufficient to grow seaweeds and the tiny algae
that live in coral cells. The cnidarians in this exhibit depend on these endosymbiotic algae for
much of their nutrition. This exhibit is also programmed for a gradual “sunrise” and “sunset.”
All of these physical characteristics are monitored daily. The husbandry staff takes water
samples and temperature readings. The samples are delivered to the water chemistry lab where
they are analyzed by the laboratory technicians. The results are then forwarded to the
husbandry staff concerned with each exhibit, as well as kept on file for future reference.
Animals with health problems are reported immediately to the veterinarian.

PROS IN THE DESIGN

1. In the entire scheme water is used as a main design element, a pond and a stream in
the rain forest a water toy screening the gift shop at the entrance etc.
2. The circulation inside the structure being unidirectional, the incoming crowd does not
merge with the outgoing crowd and a continuous flow of visitors is maintained.
3. The ABAB rhythmic progression of the tanks i.e. the sequence of smaller tank
following a larger tank and then again a larger tank holds the attention of the visitors
as it helps to break the monotony of viewing the exhibits.
4. The structure is the combination of different forms but given complete justice as
regards to their importance. The exhibit galleries forming a part of the octagon. The
rainforest forming a triangular tiara. The descending coral and the shark tanks are oval
in shape. The educational area is a triangle.
5. The different sound and visual effects accentuate the movement inside through the
exhibits. Thus making the visitor feel the reality inside the space and to make his trip
a memorable one. The provisions for the disabled are adequately considered.

Figure 46

45
CONS IN THE DESIGN

1. The structure has a boxy and bulky appearance; does not compliment with the
seascape.
2. Even though the structure is dedicated to the ecosystem, it does not show any
consideration to nature due to its bulk
3. The site seems to be constrained and overcrowded.
4. The circulation inside the aquarium winds up to the rain forest, which thus gets the
most importance and then unwinds down towards the exit. Hence it fails to give the
visitor a feeling of travelling through the depths of the oceans.

46
 MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA

BASIC PROJECT DETAILS

OWNER: City of Long Beach

ARCHITECT: Esherick, Homsey, Dodge, and Davis
CONTRACTOR: Turner/Kajima
COST: $55 Million
NUMBER OF SPECIMEN
SPECIMEN: It holds 35,000 of plants and animals, representing more than 600
species on display.

LOCATION: located on the site of a former sardine cannery on cannery row in Monterey,
California, United States.

AIM:
1. Aquarium’s mission is "to inspi
inspire conservation of the oceans."
2. To pioneer new ways to explore and understand the ocean.
3. It was built “like the Ancient Pyramid as a portal providing access to a fantastic
world beyond our reach and where the boundaries that separate us from the ocean
are suspended”.
4. To protect threatened animals.

SITE CONNECTIVITY: The

he site is connected from Wave Street through David Avenue in
Cannery Row.

WATER BODIES NEAR THE SITE: Monterey Bay is on the rear side of the aquarium.

TOPOGRAPHY: The
he aquarium is built on flat terrain without any contours.
contours

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
CONDITIONS: Average summer temperatures ures range from 51-
51 68 degrees F.
Average winter temperature
temperatures range from 44 - 61 degrees F.

Warmest
armest months are July through October. Average yearly rainfall totals 18 inches,
and falls primarily between November and April.

Spring and fall months are known for the mo

most
st pleasant weather conditions. Summer
months on the coast can often be foggy due to the chilly and unchanging water temperature of
the Pacific Ocean.

Figure 47

47
Figure 48

Figure 49

Figure 50

48
PLAN WITH FUNCTIONS

Figure 51

49
 As one of the first of its kind, the Monterey Bay Aquarium departed from traditional
aquarium design by focusing on the unique marine ecology of one habitat: the Monterey Bay
and its shoreline. Built over land and water, it embraces views of the Bay, whose ecosystem it
celebrates. The aquarium sits sensitively among the existing sardine processing plants and
cannery buildings, utilizing the foundations—and rekindling the spirit—of the old Hoyden
Cannery.

The building is a light-filled ensemble of varied, well-proportioned spaces through

which the visitor may chart their own course, rather than being locked into a linear path. The
design strategy was to create an immersive experience that excites visitors’ senses and
invokes a feeling of wonder. The aquarium presents more than 100 galleries and exhibits
recreating the habitats of Monterey Bay. Some of the most spectacular habitats are constructed
in massive acrylic-enclosed tanks, including a jewel jellyfish tank, a towering giant-kelp
forest in a 335,000-gallon three-story tank, and a million-gallon shark tank. The experience is
what amounts to a leisurely stroll through the ocean without getting wet.

Its popularity has led to several changes all designed by EHDD. In 1996, the 95,000
sq. ft., 1 million gallon Outer Bay Wing opened, introducing jellyfish, tuna, sharks, and other
denizens of the offshore environment. In 2004, to accommodate increased visitors, a 200 ft.,
clear-span “Sky bridge” joined the second floors of the Ocean’s Edge and Outer Bay Wings.
The most recent of periodic renovations of the café and sea otter exhibit were completed in
2014.

Monterey Bay Aquarium pre-dates contemporary sustainability goals and programs

such as LEED®. Nevertheless, its design included many sustainable design strategies and
innovations that developed out of EHDD’s legacy of attention to environmental conditions
and to project-specific opportunities and imperatives. These include: building reuse –
specifically, the administration building, the seawall and the pump house; a sea water based
heat pump system that provides heating and cooling for both the building and aquarium
systems; and, the use of highly durable materials.

The technical requirements to support such environments are as impressive as the

habitats themselves. The water is drawn directly from the bay itself, allowing the natural
organisms that nourish the bay to be emitted into the exhibits during evening hours (during
viewing hours the water is filtered for more clarity). Most remarkable perhaps of all its
technical accomplishments is that the aquarium’s condition has remained virtually unchanged
in over a quarter century. Recent testing of some of the concrete in the exhibits has indicated
that it should conservatively withstand the corrosive saltwater environment for 490 years.

GEOMETRY & STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING

The site on which the Monterey Bay Aquarium is located is located on the site of the
old Hoyden Cannery. This not only provided the site for the aquarium, but also influence for
the design decisions. The aquarium tries to maintain the architectural character of the
canneries on the exterior elevations. It also incorporates the natural site into the design of the
building and exhibits. The original factory pump house and boilers are preserved within the
building itself."

The facility has a strong sense of place: It is physically connected to Monterey Bay
and contextually connected to Cannery Row, and to the town at large.
The large scale framework of the industrial typology allows for ease of new infill
(formerly a sardine cannery transformed into an aquarium).Program and building technology
are balanced; each informing the other

50
Figure 52

A series of specialized construction techniques and building systems supports the

aquarium’s close communion with the sea. These include a corrosion-resistant, reinforced-
concrete structure; a sophisticated water-circulation, or “life-support,” system; and a heat-
exchange system that leverages the abundance of seawater.
During low tide, workers would place hollow precast box “coffers,” one for each pier,
to provide watertight shafts in which to pour a 28-foot-square column grid. They sealed each
box to the rocky, uneven sea floor with concrete slurry, excavated the inside of each box with
jackhammers, and then placed rebar and concrete inside the shafts. Corrosion-resistant, fibre-
reinforced polymer forms were used for the columns above the sea floor and left permanently
in place to help protect the concrete. Precast girders and tees form the main deck (the
aquarium’s first floor) over the water. The second floor has a cast-in-place waffle slab.

Figure 53

51
SECTION STUDIES

Figure 54

52
Figure 55

Figure 56

53
Figure 57

Figure 58

54
CIRCULATION

Movement through the exhibits seems random and unstructured architect Rhodes and
Davis however did not want a tightly ordered circulation system neither do the Packards.
Freedom of movement or lack of a designated path allows visitors choices for
exploration. This informal movement complements the education program. The pattern is
activity/slack/activity/slack;

SERVICES

The building’s plumbing system is as important as its structure. Monterey Bay was
not the first aquarium to draw seawater from its doorstep, but even now, it remains among the
largest and most technically advanced. Two 14-inch-diameter intake pipes extend
approximately 980 feet from the bay to the pump house, at a depth of 55 feet. The pipes
alternate in service every few months: one draws water while the other is left stagnant to
reduce the oxygen and kill off the barnacles that have attached themselves to the inside of the
pipe. Most intake water is then clarified by filtering it through a bed of sand, which also
contains bacteria that convert ammonia (NH3) from animal excretion, a toxin, into nitrate
(NO3), which is less toxic. However, the pumps driving water through the filters can
inadvertently cause the super-saturation of nitrogen levels in the water, with the disastrous and
deadly effect of giving animals the bends. So the next step is critical: sending the water
through aeration, or de-embolization, towers to re-balance its dissolved gases.

Not all of the aquarium’s water is treated, however, and this is part of what makes
Monterey Bay special. A portion of the intake seawater is pulled, unfiltered, into a secondary
system. This nutrient-rich seawater provides food, such as plankton, for filter-feeding
organisms like sponges, and introduces biodiversity to the exhibits in the form of algae spores
and invertebrate larvae. The aquarium uses more unfiltered water at night, when visual clarity
is not necessary.

The seawater makes one final stop before the aquarium expels it back into the tide
pool: the heat exchangers. Conceived by the mechanical engineers at the Syska Hennessy
Group, the heat-recovery system allows the human- and marine-climate environments to
operate more efficiently by addressing their complementary conditioning needs. For example,
the Open Sea exhibit, stocked with tuna and sharks and sea turtles, usually requires heating,
while the human-occupied rooms and corridors, warmed by lamps, sunlight, and bodies, often
require cooling.

Water, Christiansen notes, is more efficient than air at transferring thermal energy, and
the aquarium has no shortage of it. Outgoing seawater from the aquarium is pumped through
heat exchangers in the basement. These add or subtract energy from the water in the
building’s four chillers—three 150-ton rotary electric models by Multistack (which replaced
three older units in 2005) and a 200-ton Tecogen Tecochill natural gas engine-driven model
from 1996.

55
Figure 59

Figure 60

56
Figure 61

57
Figure 62

58
MATERIALS & FENESTRATION

The next challenge: fighting corrosion. Anything made of concrete—columns, decks,

walls, exhibit tanks—could fail if salt reached its steel reinforcing. Strategy was
straightforward: protect the rebar, use a low-porosity concrete, and “build it extremely well.”
EHDD also specified epoxy-coated steel rebar, a product that was then just a decade or so old.

The impermeable green polymer sheath shields the ferrous metal from marine salts,
just as it shields the rebar in highways from ice-melting salts. Construction workers also used
PVC-coated tie wire, clipping and hammering the pigtails, or ends, to maintain the concrete’s
consistency. Furthermore, EHDD specified a more impermeable concrete mix, substituting fly
ash for 20 percent of the cement, and increased the clearance between the encapsulated rebar
and the concrete surface by a few extra inches.

Figure 63

PROS IN THE DESIGN

1. The facility has a strong sense of place: It is physically connected to Monterey Bay
and contextually connected to Cannery Row, and to the town at large
2. The large scale framework of the industrial typology allows for ease of new infill
(formerly a sardine cannery transformed into an aquarium).
3. Program and building technology are balanced; each informing the other
4. The facility is part entertainment and part education. Visitors can touch, smell, hear as
well as see ecology from the local area. This approach allows participants to learn
more about an ecosystem.
5. Freedom of movement or lack of a designated path allows visitors choices for
exploration. This informal movement complements the education program The
pattern is activity/slack/activity/slack.
6. Scheme allows for ease of expansion.

59
 7. This aquarium focuses on the local habitat of Monterey bay; there is an open bay tank
that houses many open-ocean sharks and schooling fishes.
8. The entire facility spans between land and water, engaging the environment it
examines. There are terraces that span the water giving a very lively space for viewers
to experience the birds on the rocks, the fish swim in the sea and the tide come in and
out.

CONS IN THE DESIGN

1. The circulation system that has no discipline of route is good because the visitor can
choose what they want to see now or later, however, it can be confusing especially
when it is crowded.
2. Also there is no correlation between form and content where the shed roofs do not
relate to specific spaces within. The roofs could have been used to create a sense of
order and sequence of spaces and tell a story about the interior organization which the
effect is one picturesqueness and episodic.
3. Temporary exhibit spaces are small and suffer from poor visibility.

60
 TARAPOREWALA AQUARIUM
MARINE DRIVE, MUMBAI

BASIC PROJECT DETAILS

OWNER: City of Mumbai

ARCHITECT: Ar. Sachin Sata
COST: 1951 @ ₹800,000
800,000 (US$12,000) & renovated at a cost of Rs 22 Crore
rore in 2015.
2015

NUMBER OF SPECIMEN: About 2,000 fishes of over 400 species.

LOCATION: The National Aquarium is located at 501 E Pratt Street in the Inner Harbour
area of Baltimore, Maryland in the United States.

AIM: Aquarium's
quarium's mission is to be India’s world class recreational & educational centre.

SITE CONNECTIVITY: The site is located

ed along the Marine Drive near Charni Road
R railway
station.

WATER BODIES NEAR THE SITE: The he site selected to construct the aquarium
aq at the
queen’s necklace—Marine
Marine D Drive
rive could not have been more appropriate, as the Mumbai of
yesterday was a fishing village and the site has a sea
sea-face.

TOPOGRAPHY: The aquarium is built on flat terrain without any contours.

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
CONDITIONS: Climate of Mumbai is a tropical wet andd dry climate described as
moderately hot
ot with high level of humidity. Its coastal nature and tropical location ensures
temperatures won't fluctuate much throughout the year.

The
he mean average is 27.2°c and average precipitatio
precipitationn is 242.2 cm (95.35 inches).The
inches)
mean maximum average temperatures in about 32°c (90°f) in summer and 30°c (86°f) in
winter, while the average minimums are 25°c (77°f) in summer and 20.5°c (68.9°f)

Figure 64

61
Figure 65

Figure 66

Figure 67

62
PLAN WITH FUNCTIONS

Figure 68

In the aquarium's 16 sea water tanks and nine sweet water tanks, there are 31 types of
fish, while 32 tropical tanks contain 54 kinds of fishes. The
he tropical section of the aquarium
already feature different ecosystems such as the “moss aquarium” for pregnant fishes,
“plantation aquarium” that features imported varieties of water lilies and other aquatic plants
and “island aquarium”.

63
Main Section

There are 16 tanks for marine/ salt-water specimens along the periphery which the 3
tanks in centre of hall display fresh water specimens. In all there are 66 tanks with glass
frontage 1.1/4 inches thick. Capacity of each tank ranges from 1000-5000gallons. The tank
interior is decorated so as to give an effect of natural environment.

The tank seems to be literally framed and look like pictures framed in mosaic
partitions. The exterior surface is cladded with marble tiles with timber railing preventing
visitors from coming too close to the tanks. Display boards on top of each tank give
information above contents of the tank.

Ventilation of hall is by exhaust fans and there is consideration darkness in the hall so
as to highlight the lighted tank inter-view.

To the right of hall (south side) are:

1. Curators office
2. Conditioning room
3. Staff room
4. Service corridor or a small chemical lab.

All specimens either for display or for study are kept in the conditioning tank for
observation before introduction into main aquarium tanks. This tank/s is also called as
quarantine tank wherein specimens are tested on.

First Floor

It has been set aside for research administration purposes. North end has the marine
biological lab. South end has the office of the director of fisheries and his staff. There are 2
labs with a dozen research workers and up to date facilities like arrangement for supply of
running sea and freshwater, ducts to ensure proper aeration, gas, paraffin baths and optical
instruments and special tanks where specimens can be studied under controlled conditions.

Second Floor

The library and offices have occupied it.

GEOMETRY & STRUCTURE OF THE BUILDING

Foundations

The foundations of the aquarium rests on reinforced concrete piles, mainly of which
have been driven to 30ft. deep so that the building may be claimed to be earthquake proof.

The building is three storied and 200(61ft) away from the sea wall. It is rectangular in
form with it long axis running from west to east.

64
Figure 69

AREA STUDY

Area of Plot.......................................................................................
lot....................................................................................... 4136.55sq.m
Area occupied by Garden.....................................................................620.48sq.m
arden.....................................................................620.48sq.m
Total Area..........................................................................................2895.60sq.m
F.S.I. permissible.......................................
ermissible...............................................................................1.33
Area permissible for construction.....................................................
construction.....................................................3860.74sq.m
3860.74sq.m

The existing structures are inclusive of aquarium and non

non-aquarium
aquarium activities
Non aquarium activities

Annex Bldg (Inclusive of rddf by adf by statistics dept.)................... 992.60sq.m

Canteen inclusive of Accounts D Dept....................................................
ept.................................................... .380.00sq.m
Garage.............................................................
Garage....................................................................................................43.00sq.m
.......................................43.00sq.m
Total Area of Annexes Building........................................................1415.60sq.m

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Aquarium Activities

Taraporewala Aquarium....................................................................2055.30sq.m
Filter Tank.............................................................................................34.89sq.m
Fish Food Shed.......................................................................................9.84sq.m
Pump Shed............................................................................................12.92sq.m
Salt Water Settling Tank.....................................................................158.67sq.m
_________________________________________________________________
Total Area of Aquarium Activities 2271.62sq.m
Area available for future expansion 165.62sq.m

CIRCULATION

The three- storied building has an aquarium and related offices on ground floor. First floor has
an Administration and research department. Second floor is occupied entirely by the library.

Public circulation path for the aquarium is in inverted u- form with entry on the right
side and exit on the left side.

Service passage lines peripherally around the display tanks and remains visually and
functionally independent.

SERVICES

WATER CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

The circulatory system adopted for changing water in the display tanks is closed
system. The same water is used over and again for a period of 1 month. After which new
supply is taken. This helps to maintain the ph and chlorine level in the water and is also less
tedious.

Figure 70

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PURIFICATION PLANT

The purification plant consists of the settling tank and the filtration plant. The
filtration plant is a structure located in the open space on north side of the aquarium buildings.
Both the seawater and the freshwater systems have separate underground concrete settling
tanks and filtering units. The filters have filtering media of pebbles and sand of varying grades
arranged in layers.

Water first enters the settling tanks and then passes into the filter beds. Then both
seawater and fresh water flow into their respective subterranean reservoirs. From here water is
pumped to overhead tanks and from there it flows to the display by the gravitation.

Seawater is brought to the aquarium from the sea just off the marine drive road.
Earlier a barge was used for providing undiluted and unpolluted seawater from a pond far off
from the shore at floor tide. Now water is directly pumped. Fresh water is received directly
from the municipal water connect

FILTRATON SYSTEM

From the display tanks it goes to the filtration tank, where it passes through layers of
sand, gravel and pebbles. Then it flows to basement reservoir, from where it is pumps to the
overhead tank from where it is supplied to the respective tanks by gravity flow.

AERATION

Elaborate arrangements have been have been made to ensure a constant stream of air
into all the tanks. The silvery jet of bubbles spiralling to the surface of the water from the bed
of the tanks is compressed air released in each tank. Behind the main aquarium section is the
pump/machinery room where pumps and compressors operate the circulatory aeration system.
Entire machinery operates on electricity and once the main switch is on the water keeps
changing day and night.

ILLUMINATION

The tanks are illuminated by normal tube lights which are hung about 1’ to 1 ½’ above
the water level. The sloping roof above has glass skylight to admit natural light. The skylights
were originally tinted pale blue (no longer) to prevent excessive growth of algae in the tanks.

RESERVES

Below the room containing pumps and compressors are two water reserve tank. The
seawater reservoir is 3.3m by 14.0m by 4.5m while the fresh water reservoir 3.3m by 14m by
4.5m.
The reservoirs receive water from the filtration plant and from here the water is
pumped continuously to the respective overhead tanks directly above the pump room. From
here it is conducted to the exhibition tanks by gravitation. The piping used here is HDP (high
density polymer) type.

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PROS IN THE DESIGN

1. Fountain at the further end of hall combines utility with aesthetic as water spurted up
enters duct connected with general fresh water circulatory system and is deprived of
noxious gases.
2. The entrance hall is utilized only as transition space from main section to miniature
section and outside.
3. Small fishes corals, worms; coelenterates are kept here in about 1-foot deep fish
tanks, as these would be lost in large tanks. Also it has a display of shells, cones and
other such items. These tanks are held in wooden partition 1m away from the wall for
service purpose.
4. Oceanarium in the foyer with 22,000 l (5,800 US gal) water.
5. Amphitheatre with 50 seats, screening documentaries on fish, marine ecosystems and
environment conservation.
6. Touch pool, where curious visitors can touch star fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers,
and turtles.
7. Fish spa.
8. Coral and rocky ecosystems with aquascaping and LED lighting.
9. Semi-circular tank housing jelly fish.

CONS IN THE DESIGN

1. The service passage has ordinary polished kotah tiles for flooring lacks non-skid floor
finish.
2. Insufficient waiting area outside curator’s office.
3. Conditioning room has ordinary polished kotah tiles for flooring.

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REFERENCES

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXB_hwHDzDQ

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Aquarium_(Baltimore)

Gaskie, Margaret F., "The National Aquarium in

Baltimore," ARCHITECTURAL RECORD, May 1982. p. 85.

http://www.peterchermayeff.com/

https://issuu.com/ehddarchitecture/docs/2010_ehdd_selected_work

http://www.ehdd.com/

Time Saver Standards - Building Types

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