Oceanarium at Kochi

Abstract

An oceanarium is an enclosed space for in-house aquatic species for the purposes of entertainment and research. As land dwellers, our knowledge of the water is fairly limited to what we can perceive right in front of us. An oceanarium is a good tool for the purposes of educating the masses and it acts as a recreational space as well. The government of Kerala, in an effort to augment the tourist potential of the region has embarked on a concept of developing an oceanarium cum marine biological research center complex at Puthuvypeen, Kochi. The project would be developed as a landmark dedicated to marine education and spreading awareness amongst the masses about aquatic life and the impact of human actions on the aquatic life. The three major components of the project include education, science and preservation of the marine ecosystem. A medium to relay that information to the public are aquariums and oceanariums. with the help of these live exhibits, not only scientists and researchers, but also the common man gains knowledge about the life under water. the layout design intends to express various natural environments, tropical vegetation, coastal plain, tropical reefs, polar habitation etc. the space configuration inside includes oceanarium display techniques, complementing themes, aqua terrarium, polar pavilion with a major attraction consisting of a shark tunnel. Being a water based facility, the use and recycling of the large amount of water is a service related issue.