a glipmse of the deep sea

Idea projektu

ABSTRACT
Persistent advancement in technology has made it possible to have an impact upon and change the environment on a much greater scale than ever before. Changes in the social networks of our community enforce the necessity to educate ourselves on various characteristics of our environment. Thus, it becomes eloquent to talk about the relationship of humans and their environment (other species and the system) especially the marine life. Such prerequisites can be met through various activities.
My thesis; A glimpse of the deep sea is intended to educate human beings on the aspect of their setting by bringing them in contact with water and the marine species that live in it. Waterfronts today have become hub of many projects around the world and while designing these, native species are usually ignored.
The project is to comprise of an aquarium and research facility along with waterpark, hotel, restaurant and shopping area where people can come and educate themselves while getting entertained and relax.
The project is to create an experience of travelling from land into the water; to the world of marine species where they live. It is to be achieved through careful setting of programs and use of material and the site context.

Popis projektu

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND/ PROBLEM/RATIONALE:
Pakistan is blessed with a long stretch of sea belt, housing many endangered species specific to Arabian Sea. While many countries in the world have public aquariums and research facilities, we have none, basically due to lack of government interest and no investment of private sector in this regard. Most of the mega cities today have aquariums and research facilities on their waterfronts which serve not only as educational platforms but with inbuilt recreational activities, help in creating awareness and sense to use the waterfront humanely and respectably. The lack of awareness regarding marine ecosystem in professional and public sectors of Pakistan exists due to lack of opportunity and resources. The sea belt of Pakistan, especially that of Karachi has become polluted due to oil spills, over fishing and discharge of untreated sewage into the sea. The belt along Clifton beach is destined to have numerous commercial skyscrapers. Envisaged development of DHA phase 8 in the near future having large scale housing projects is also in the same area. These developments and projects display a total disregard to the concept of space for public interaction, recreation and education. Thus, the only unadulterated beaches in Karachi that are used for the purpose of recreation and such activities are Hawke’s Bay, French Beach, Paradise Point, Conze and Manora. These have rental huts, fishing points, etc. and are easily accessible to the general public. The water along this belt especially that of French Beach and its adjacent area, is cleaner and has a vast variety of marine species thus making it an ideal site for my project.
HISTORY OF AQUARIUMS IN PAKISTAN
Clifton aquarium Karachi was built in 1960 with the help of a Japanese company. Unfortunately, it was closed in 1998 as a result of inadequate funding and no maintenance. It was however, scheduled to reopen in 2012 after a grant of 30 million was assigned by the provincial government for its renovation and repair. Ironically, due to corruption and lack of interest of the government and now defunct KMC, the reopening is still to materialize. It had 33 seawater exhibition tanks where sea-based fish were kept, and 14 fresh water tanks exhibiting species of fresh water. According to an article, it attracted people from all over the country and generated a revenue of around 2 million. Currently there are two public aquariums; one is in Karachi zoological garden and the other that was opened in 2005 in Landhi - Korangi zoo, latter being the biggest aquarium in Pakistan uses only thirty fish in small aquariums that resemble the aquarium one keeps at home.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the project is to create an interaction with marine life by using architecture as a tool that will not only help to educate but entertain and relax as well.
The main objective of my project (aquarium) is to create an environment close to real (deep sea) in which people will be able to experience and understand how these species live in their habitat. For this purpose the main program will be on and under sea water utilizing the natural water available for fish containers.
The architecture as a whole will promote experiential spaces that will enhance an experience of journey from land to sea. Various programs (research facility, hotel, shopping, waterpark, etc.) that link with aquarium will stimulate a hierarchy on masterplan level and on spatial level that will indorse experiential spaces, which will help me achieve my objective.
The objectives are listed as follows:
• Interaction with nature and marine life.
• Create spaces for relaxation and sensory experiences.
• Create an educational, vacational, relaxation and entertainment hub.
• Use of tidal current and wave energy for education of marine energy along with marine life.

Technické informace

Master Plan
Plans
Elevations sections
3ds

Spoluautoři

NONE