CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

INTRODUCTION

The Science City was inaugurated on 1st July 1997 and has been developed as a major attraction for the residents as well as for national and international visitors of
Kolkata. It is developed by the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Spanning over an area of about 50 acres, the
Science City presents science and technology in an inspiring and engaging environment which is both educational and entertaining for the visitors.
Architect: Ar. Aftab Amin
Director: A. D. Chowdhury SCIENCE CITY
Site Area: 49.7 acres (201136
sq.m.)
Location: At the crossing of
Eastern Metropolitan Science Centre Convention
Complex Centre Complex
bypass and Park
Circus road
Year of Completion: 1997 Space Odyssey Main Auditorium
Cost of Project: 50 Crores approx.
FAR: 0.34 (2.475 Dynamotion Mini Auditorium
permissible)
Total Built Up Area: 68284 sq. m. Science Park Seminar Hall
(497811.6 sq. m. Building
permissible)
Maritime Centre
Ground Coverage: 16.62% i.e. 33426.38
sq. m. (35% i.e.
Earth Exploration
70397.6 sq. m.
Hall
permissible)
Parking: 1000 cars & 25 buses
Evolution Theme
Visitors: 1573560 per annum Park
(as per 2012); 4300/day
Staff: 72
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

SITE LEVEL STUDY

The Science City is located at J.B.S. Haldane Avenue at The site is almost rectangular in shape and is formed on a ZONING:
the crossing of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass and Park barren garbage dump land with degraded soil on top covering
Circus Road (nearby landmark is Ruby General Hospital). up to 6 meters.  Public Zone:
• Ticket Plaza – 1175 sq. m.
• Space Odyssey – 4900 sq. m.
• Dynamotion – 5500 sq. m.
• Maritime Centre – 920 sq. m.
• Earth Exploration Hall – 980 sq. m.
• Science Park – 4550 sq. m.

 Semi - Public Zone:

LOCATION MAP
• Main Auditorium – 9125 sq. m.
• Mini Auditorium – 1337 sq. m.
Nearest Railway Station: Sealdah Junction, 5km • Seminar Hall Building – 2261 sq.m.
Nearest Bus Stand: Central bus terminal, 7.5km • Exhibition Area – 1700 sq. m.
Nearest Metro Station: Dum Dum, 13km
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra  Private Zone:
Bose International Airport, • Administrative Area
18km • Service Areas
SURROUNDINGS: ENTRANCES AND EXITS:

North: Milan Mela Ground • Access to the site is by a road network of 15m & 23m roads.
South: Residential High-Rise Apartments – • The roads inside the Science City are 7.5 m wide.
‘Atmosphere’, by Forum Projects Pvt. Ltd. • There are 2 entries, one main entry from the Park Circus
East: Energy Education Park connector road and the other one from the Eastern
West: Mirania Lake Metropolitan bypass; and one exit.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”
LANDSCAPING: Landscaping is an impressive feature at the Science City.
• Main Plaza: The huge plaza is carefully planted with low • Convention Centre: The plaza is
heighted plants & non foliage trees. Major part is covered landscaped with potted plants, flower
with maze hedges enclosing open exhibits. Low height creeper beds, water channels and fountains. A
shrubs are used near kiosks for shading seating benches. combination of changing levels with
Musical fountain is the main attraction feature of the plaza. steps, ramps and fountains exaggerates
Royal palms are planted near parking & service lane. the function and beauty of the plaza.

• Entrance Plaza:
The entrance plaza is
lush green enclosing
fountains; it forms patterns
with sandstone pathways.

ON - SITE CIRCULATION:
• Pedestrian movement: A
network of sandstone paved
pathways of 3.5m, 2.5m & 1.8m
wide are used by the visitors to
access various buildings.

• By Ropeway: It was introduced

to provide a panoramic view of the
site from the gate complex to the
end of the site.

• By Monorail: Runs on elevated

tracks throughout the site.

• By Toy train: Runs throughout

the site. Useful to persons who
avoid walking especially elderly
people.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

BUILDING LEVEL STUDY

(DYNAMOTION
&
SPACE ODYSSEY)
These are two different requirements clubbed up as a single structure with a huge common double • The ground floor consists of a 28m high exhibit called the
heighted sky lit lobby which includes an information computer, drinking water facility and Rolling Ball which shows the dynamics of a large number of
public toilets. rolling balls moving in different trajectories with water exhibits
at the base.
DYNAMOTION
• The hall has two symmetrically placed galleries to the
• A circular shell structure with a fascinating
longitudinal axis of the building containing Butterfly Enclave
exterior geometry. It is 38m high structure
on one side and water based experiments on the other.
with a spiral shaped ramp around a 15m dia.
Opposite corners of the rectangular halls have services like
central atrium which is raised to the top.
electric rooms and store.
• Plinth area is 3000 sq.m.
• The elevators are located opposite to the entrance lobby,
• Space distributed for each floor:
carrying visitors upto the top floor. The exhibition is formed
Third floor - 1000 sq. m;
by a spiral ramp (4.5m wide, slope 1:12), encircling the exhibits
Second floor - 1500 sq. m;
and leading to the podium. The exhibits are always on left
First floor - 2000 aq. m;
hand side. The final exits are in the 2 corners of the podium.
Ground floor - 2500 sq. m.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

It consists of 3 galleries one on each floor: CIRCULATION:

• Illusions (Third Floor)
• Power of ten (Second Floor)
• Aquarium (First Floor)
STRUCTURE:
• The complete structure is supported on 2
concentric rows of 16 columns each.
• The top of the atrium is tied together with
steel truss and glass on top for wide
expanse of light.
• Structure is finished with stone grit all
around which unifies both the buildings
with the help of colour, texture and finish.
LIGHTING:
• Wide expanse of glare free natural light is
given by a steel and glass skylight provided
in the atrium.
• However deeper areas and galleries
especially aquarium are lighted by
fluorescent tube lights and halogen lamps
wherever required.
• The ramp is lit with structural glazing
provided at various distances which
provides glare free light and also serves as
a point for the overall view of the science
city.
• A forced circulation pattern by a unidirectional and spiral
ascending circulation ramp 4.5m wide is followed throughout
the exhibition area.
• The exit is through the staircase which leads the visitor to the
ground from the 1st floor.
• The ramp is 38 m high spiral shaped and 4.5 m wide.
• Service entry is common with the visitors entry.
• Once the visitor has viewed the ground floor exhibits; he/she
takes the elevator to the top floor at a level of 24.6 m.
• The building is a barrier-free design.
SECURITY:
• The building is monitored with cctv cameras installed at
various intervals.
• A Security guard is also present near the entrance of the
building.
INFERENCES:
• A major part of light is provided by the steel
and glazed skylight in the central atrium.
It provides sufficient light for the whole
building.
• The ramp system for display is a successful
method.
• The parallel ramp for service and fire escape
is a good idea.
• The exterior has grit finish and this helps
the building to be unified with the Space
Odyssey.
• Overall zoning and segregation of entries is
required where there is a large public
movement.
• The displays are accessible and easy to
understand.
• The overall planning of the place is good
with comfortable walking conditions.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

SPACE ODYSSEY
• The hall is approached from a common sky lit
lobby.
• The hall is partially double heighted with
spherical dome theatre at its end. The center of
the hall contains an artificial moon surface and
space science exhibits on 2m high display panels.
• The hall is fully air-conditioned
Space Odyssey consists of:
• Mirror Magic Gallery:
This section of 35 exhibits
explains the physical
principles behind mirror
images.
• Space Science Gallery:
This section consists of space
related exhibits.
• 3D Theatre: A hall of 5.5m x 11m with a seating capacity of 50 people
with 2 side aisles, wooden steps and projector room at the back. This theatre
shows 3D format films.
• Space Theatre: This is a 23m dia. dome theatre which shows films through
the Astrovision 70 large format film projection system.
 It is a tilted dome & planetarium having a unidirectional seating
arrangement for 360 people.
 It has different entry & exit with double doors and a buffer zone in
between. All these entries and exits are connected to the outdoor on
ground floor and terrace on upper floor.
 Interiors are kept dark to ensure good quality of projections.
 Theatre has a small stage 3m wide and 0.2m high to ensure multiple
use of the hall.
 The seats are symmetrically provided with 4 aisles on 1100mm treads in
front, 1000mm in middle and 900mm at the back. The risers are 0.4m
high accessible by 3 intermediate 0.1m risers.

STRUCTURE:
• The dome of space theatre is supported on 2 concentric rows of 12 columns
each, while the exhibition space consists of 30 columns in total.
• The dome is a shell structure finished with unglazed ceramic mosaic tiles.

LIGHTING:
• Natural light is insufficient in the interiors and is partially achieved with
small raised windows on the top of the galleries.
• Slit windows are used in upper floor, which are also insufficient in lighting
the whole hall.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”
EARTH
EXPLORATION
HALL
• A permanent exhibition based on earth is
housed in a two storied hemispherical building
that displays the details of the southern
hemisphere in the ground floor and northern
hemisphere in the first floor.
• Consists of 2 concentric rows of 12 columns
each.
• The building is fully air-conditioned and
artificially lit.
• The dome is 25m in diameter.
• A huge Earth globe is located at the centre of the
hall surrounded by multi-media presentations on
all major global issues.
• Hands on exhibits supplement the exhibition to
explain various physical phenomena of
the Earth.
MARITIME
CENTRE
• Maritime Centre, a permanent pavilion within
Science City, depicts segments of maritime
history, maritime activity and related subjects,
and has been developed by in collaboration
with Kolkata Port Trust.
• It has been housed in a specially designed two-
storied building having a built up area of
around 700 metres and it is shaped like a ship.
• The interiors are lit by 0.5m dia. circular
windows, tube lights and light bulbs.
• This building is not air-conditioned, instead
ceiling fans are provided.
EVOLUTION
THEME
PARK
• A theme park of 1300 sq. m. covering 7 large walk
through ways with 71 robotic pre-historic animals
and 26 dinosaurs. It portrays the story of evolution
of animal life, specially the extinct species.
• The park is fully air-conditioned and artificially lit.
SCIENCE PARK
In Science Park, people come closer to plants, animals
and other objects in their natural surroundings and also
learn about the basic principles of science in an open air
learning environment. The park’s interactive exhibits
are engineered so as to tolerate all types of weather
conditions. Spanning upto an area of 4550 sq.m., it
comprises of Caterpillar Ride, Gravity Coaster, Musical
Fountain, Road Train, Cable Cars, Monorail Cycle,
Butterfly Nursery and several exhibits on physical and
life science and a maze set up in a lush green hedges.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

CONVENTION CENTRE

 It is self-contained complex with a capacity to host National & International conventions for about 3000 people.
 It comprises of:
• Main Auditorium, Mini Auditorium and Conference & Seminar Hall Building
 Shell structure of convention center is another structural marvel in the complex. It has massive steel structure
acting as support skeleton upon which whole shell has been made. The individual structures are placed around
the central plaza formed by series of steps with small water channels and connecting bridges.
 The extensive horizontal landscaping in the court enhances the movement thus creating a lively atmosphere.

MAIN AUDITORIUM:
• Designed as a multipurpose hall for film festivals, performances, ballets, live orchestras etc., it is a huge
auditorium of sitting capacity 2232 people & a huge stage of 27m x 16m for 100 performers with hydraulic
moving platform.
• Total height of this structure is 42m. The lowest ground hosts services like kitchen, canteen, ac plant etc.
• The building has 2 curved shells. Higher one houses the stage and the services whereas the lower one houses
the seating and projection room.
• 50 green rooms each for both men and women.
• The auditorium is fully air-conditioned with 340 tones central air conditioning system installed in
basement.
• Auditorium has got a separate V.I.P. entry.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”
MINI AUDITORIUM:
• The entrance foyer is made up of fibre glass
sheets supported on a space frame.
• It accommodates 392 people, meant for small
audience performances including seminars
and screen projections.
• The built form is conceived as a
complementary mass emerging from the
main shell maintaining the clarity of both the
forms.
• It rises to a height of 24m above the ground.
• Fully air-conditioned
• Stage size 15m x 10m for about 30
performers.
• 16 green rooms for men and 14 for women
CONFERENCE & SEMINAR HALL BUILDING
• The Seminar Hall Complex houses eight fully air-conditioned halls in two floors with a large lobby,
registration counters, pantry and projection facilities.
• It consists of the following number of halls:.
Lecture Halls – 4 with a capacity of 96 each
Lecture Halls – 2 with a capacity of 40 each
Round Table – 2 with a capacity of 30 each
• Ideal for conferences, seminars, meetings, workshops etc.
• Fully air-conditioned.
• Toilets for ladies, gents,
children and
physically challenged.
 CASE STUDY I – “SCIENCE CITY, KOLKATA”

SERVICES, OBSERVATIONS & INFERENCES

SERVICES:
 Electricity:
• Total power consumption of whole project
is around 4.5mva. This power is drawn from
Kolkata power supply at 11KV voltage level.
• The main power distribution system is
adopted using 3 substations.
• For emergency, diesel generators are used,
solar energy is also used for water heating &
street lighting in science city.
 HVAC:
• Due to various innovations in the form.
highly effective air conditioning system has
been incorporated.
• Around 900 sq.m. of sheet metal ducting has
been done only in auditorium building.
• HVAC system of capacity 340 ton has been
installed with 40 ton of backup/emergency
system.
• Around 140T were supplied separately for
seminar halls and 460T for convention
center.
 Fire fighting
• Fire & smoke detection systems are installed
within all sensitive areas like projector room,
service areas & dark galleries. Detector &
sprinklers are provided at stage area.
• A water tank of 200,000 gallons has been
built near auditorium.
OBSERVATIONS:
The following observations have been made after completely
examining the Science City:
• The Science City hosts many different type of abstract shapes
and forms, which are introduced to create an impact and act as a
landmark to stun the visitors. But in order to achieve above goal,
the Science City now lacks harmony due to some quite imposing
forms.
• There is a lack of common element which unites the whole
complex together.
• Overall planning is quite impressive with comfortable
conditions for most of the open air exhibits caused due to large
no. of gardens and trees in the complex itself.
• The finish of all structures is different and there are no common
colours. The finish of the Dynamotion and Space Odyssey hall
is brown grit whereas the dome is painted pink with dark brown
strips around it. And the steel pipes around the dome are red.
The convention center is finished with small brown and white
tiles.
• In the Dynamotion hall, the overall movement pattern of
sequential flow sets desired museum expression on the visitor’s
mind. Also the parallel ramp along with the main exhibits
depicts the architects concern for fire fighting and safety of the
people.
• Skylights used in various parts proves ample amount of natural
light for large exhibits.
• The movement pattern inside the space theatre is not defined
and lacks careful setup of sequential movement. Also the halls
like 3D theatre are portioned out of the main hall thereby
cutting out the required circulation and distorting the grandeur
of the hall.
INFERENCES:
Some of the inferences derived from
the above study which can be
incorporated in a project of the same
kind are:
• Overall zoning and segregation of
entries is required for large public
movement.
• The complex should be unified with
the help of controlled circulation.
• Circulation pattern of the main
museum should be one of the major
concerns.
• Landscaping plays an important role
in complexes where major part of
the site is left vacant/green.
• The facilities and open air exhibits
should be placed such that there is a
play area for children and a relief
area for adults side by side.
• Skylight can be a good solution for
lighting areas where direct light from
the windows is not required.