Cohabitation 

Coexistence and co-living had been extensive parts of human history. Various lifestyles merge in the form of an ecosystem. Duel or multipurpose buildings are more preferred in the last few decades. Humans are more leaning towards the wholesome experience where one is part of many at the same time. Living in a state-of-the-art structure is not enough without the wow factor included within. Amenities and facilities are playing the most important part in the overall experience of the visitor. Including the unique factor adds up to the value of the journey as well as creates a global impact for the structure.

Europe’s largest freshwater aquarium was situated in a Vivarium called Aquatis. The opening was on 21st October 2017, in the vicinity of Switzerland. The amalgamation of science and sustainability is achieved in this very structure and has become a tourist attraction for the residents as well as the global population. It is designed considering the pedestrian movement pattern and in the best interest of visitors.  

Urban Locality 

In any project, the designer and planner play a vital role, as their imagination leads to the erection of the building. The dreamer of the Aquatis Aquarium is Richter Dahl and associate architects. The aquarium is part of the whole plan called Biopole, which is situated North of Lausanne and accommodated within a science-based science park. The location is important, at the junction of the city’s highway bypass and the brand-new, 2008-opened M2 line of the Lausanne metro.

The group is made up of a car park with a hotel and an aquarium-vivarium situated in it. The freshwater city with a central mall linking it to the parking lot and the “Lausanne-Vennes” metro station. Although each building has its individuality, they all add to the cohesiveness of the whole.

Multipurpose Structure

The structure belongs to the city of Lausanne, where the opening ceremony took place in September 2010. The play of levels on three different heights opens the clear staging area in the south direction. Where the hotel has 143 rooms divided into 3 criteria are facialized a restaurant, a wellness area, and multiple meeting and gathering spaces. The extension of the building in the shape of a letter L puts the spotlight on the central space of the platform. The core of the project, where the heart beats is the freshwater aquarium.

The aquarium’s glass facades shines in the breeze, in contrast to the hotel’s screen-printed glass facades, which reflect the surroundings’ hues and the passing of time. Not only does the structure consist of creating an impact, but the exterior attracts the spotlight too. The attaching technique on the 100,000 metal discs allows them to suspend from this exterior while yet being moveable. The use of the right material with its appropriate form in the right directional manner creates a visual depiction.

The wind’s impact can occasionally resemble fish scales underneath the sun or waves over the water body. Water may be found on the ground, in an outdoor pool located between the two structures, which only enhances this play of shadows. The use of natural elements in the structure creates shadow games for the visitors incorporating nature within their experience. He also takes part in the establishment’s lighthearted, family-friendly aspect.

The glass façades of the aquarium shimmer when the wind moves them, in contrast to the clear glass façades of the hotel. In the case of the hotel, where it reflects the colors of the surroundings and the whims of the weather around it. On this façade, 100,000 aluminum discs are hanging, yet due to the fastening technique used, they are still moveable and forms various angles.

The wind’s impact resembles fish scales reflecting sunlight or waves on a body of water. Between the two buildings, there is water at street level in an outdoor pool. This water body contributes to the play of light that is reflected off of it. Additionally, it supports the neighborhood’s family-friendly recreational activities and participated in the area development.

The aquarium

The first two levels of the structure open up an arena of aquatic life for visitors. This path is rich and diverse in nature that includes more than two million liters of fresh water, twenty distinct ecosystems, 10,000 fish, and more than a hundred reptiles. These reptiles are transferred from the previous vivarium of Lausanne and relocated within. The methodology that is crucial to the running of aquariums and the maintenance of animals is covered in great detail on the ground level.

The remainder of the ground level is used to greet guests and includes a lobby, store, changing rooms, and restaurant. These spaces are generously exposed to the south and have a terrace with views of the outer water. The smooth and soothing natural light enhances the glamour of the space. On the first level, there are classrooms and gathering spaces for outsiders. Given its organic, circular design, which reflects its educational and cultural purpose. The structure has a distinctive character that catches the eyes of locals all over the world.

Sustainability component

The idea of constructing physical and energy systems as part of the complex leads to a realization that completely satisfies the requirements of the structure. Rational energy usage and moving toward the goal of sustainable development complete the initiative. This method includes the suggested and well-researched resources. The “outer skin” of the buildings’ component is also well thought of. The façade has also been improved in terms of both investment costs and thermal performance.

Similarly to this, utilizing a renewable energy source with minimal greenhouse gas emissions is made possible. This technique is based on the district heating network of the Industrial Services of the City of Lausanne. The base of the idea is the incineration of residential trash produced in the locality.

A combination of High-performance machinery using environmentally friendly fluids and maximizing heat recovery produces the cold and comfort needed for the whole complex. These services of the building are responsible for its functioning and are well worked upon. Healthy public and structural collaboration are achieved through a well-planned design. The platform’s two buildings are managed centrally to maximize the interactions between the two groups of users. This alteration guarantees the technical equipment to operate with high reliability and more efficiently.

Back to society 

The factor of storytelling through the structure is a must and be considered while designing. The track of the building must take the visitor on a journey and include holts at various points. These breaks allow the visitor to absorb the previous experience and get ready for what is coming forth. This play of story and structure completes the whole picture. Similarly, multi-functional buildings are a playground for activities to take place.

Architects are designers and images who put soul and memories into the structure. These efforts are taken to teleport the essence of the notion to the visitor. In coordination with the purpose of the building, the alleged strategies are planned. As the aquarium becomes part of the hotel and adds up to the experience of the residents. The thought behind the façade connects the inner lifestyle to the outer skin. These interconnecting relations of the building compliments each other scaling up to the exposure.