Sea world oceanarium, Mamallapuram

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.