Vishwa Sandip Shah

AR2046

Located in close proximity to a bird sanctuary at Thol Lake in Ahmedabad, The Vivarium is an institute of Ichthyology that delves into the study of fishes residing in the lake. Appearing as if sculpted by water, the building seems to blend with the sinuous landscape and topography of its surroundings. The 2000 sq.m. institute is an ensemble of four separate programs - research institute, academic institute, visitor interpretation center and accommodation block.  In terms of exploration in steel, the three main characteristics focused while designing include - malleability, lightweight and high tensile strength. The curvilinear form of the institute was the result of a bold realisation of the qualities of steel. The design process involved thinking about conventional structural logic along with a sense of dynamism in the context of steel as a construction material.