Abstract:
Sea World Oceanarium is proposed by the Tamil Nadu Government through State
Fisheries Department to augment the tourism potential of Mamallapuram and Tamil Nadu
through a state of the art facility for marine life to promote tourism through adventure,
recreation, learning and awareness, preservation, and research. An oceanarium comprises
of aquatic biomes and exhibit spaces displaying the live specimens as well as static
exhibits depicting the underwater world. These exhibit spaces are artificially designed and
constructed to mimic the natural habitat of the species and provide a much realistic
experience. These exhibit spaces differs from all other media of communication, because
it alone can simultaneously transmit information visually, verbally & by touch. The
visitor has an underwater experience through these meticulously designed exhibit spaces.
The project has administrative spaces, aquatic biomes and exhibit spaces, temporary
exhibit areas, auditorium, multimedia theatre, cafeteria, underwater restaurant, Scuba
diving and immersion tank facility, workshops, public and staff conveniences, seal
stadium, reptile park etc. Being a functional oriented building, functionality and services
were of utmost importance to the project along with the aesthetics and design perception.
Throughout the design process, these were the guiding factors in creating the form and
layout of the exhibits and location of the service areas along various levels to provide
with an integrated design solution.
