Living History Museum Gajoldoba

The Living History Museum, proposed by the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation, is set to be established on the banks of the river Teesta, adjacent to the Teesta Barrage, in Gajoldoba, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal. This site is chosen for its scenic beauty and ecological significance, as well as its potential to enhance tourism in the region.

Location

The proposed site spans approximately 15.6 acres and is part of the larger Gajoldoba mega tourism hub, which covers a total of 208 acres. Gajoldoba is a small village situated in the Dooars region of West Bengal, specifically in the Oodlabari area of the Jalpaiguri district. The area is recognized for its natural charm and its role as a burgeoning tourist destination.

Context

Gajoldoba, known for its picturesque setting along the Teesta River and the surrounding Baikunthapur Forest, has become a haven for migratory waterfowl. The site offers a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjunga Range, making it an ideal location for a museum that aims to celebrate the rich history of Bengal. The area's natural beauty, including its lush forests and vibrant birdlife, contributes to its allure as a destination for visitors seeking tranquility away from urban bustle.

Environmental Considerations

The museum's location in an eco-sensitive zone requires meticulous planning to minimize environmental impact. The following guidelines are proposed to ensure the preservation of the natural environment:

• Minimize earth cutting to reduce soil disturbance.
• Implement underground electrical cabling to prevent visual pollution.
• Ensure no disruption to the movement of wildlife.
• Obtain permission for any necessary tree felling.
• Prevent water, air, soil, and noise pollution.
• Avoid drastic changes to the existing agricultural systems.
• Promote ground water harvesting and rainwater harvesting practices.
• Encourage ongoing horticulture and agriculture by local communities.
• Regulate fencing and ensure protection of slopes.
• Utilize renewable energy sources and regulate vehicular pollution.
• Adopt green technology for all activities and avoid introducing exotic species.
• Prevent overflying by hot air balloons or aircraft, and avoid discharge of effluents or solid waste into natural water or terrestrial areas.

Challenges

The site's ecological sensitivity poses several challenges:

• Minimizing pathways and roads to avoid disturbing the natural environment and altering agricultural systems.
• Restricting the impact on bird movement and flight patterns due to infrastructure development.
• Preventing soil disturbance and pollution from human activities.
• Managing waste and pollution to avoid attracting wildlife and disrupting the local ecosystem.

The design concept for the Living History Museum by Sunando Dasgupta and Associates is rooted in a vision to seamlessly integrate the museum's structure with its natural surroundings while minimizing environmental impact. The overarching goal is to create a space that reflects the rich history of 19th-century Bengal, contained within a contemporary and ecologically sensitive framework.

Overall Vision

The central concept revolves around creating a "Human Cage," a large enclosed space designed to house all museum activities under a single roof. This approach aims to mitigate environmental damage and protect the surrounding eco-sensitive zone. By confining museum functions within this enclosed structure, the design seeks to reduce disturbances to the natural environment and wildlife.

Architectural Form

The museum's architecture features a circular atrium covered with a transparent polycarbonate roof. This design not only harmonizes with the surrounding landscape but also provides protection for the exhibits. The use of polycarbonate allows for natural light while shielding the displays from adverse weather conditions.

External Appearance

The building’s exterior is thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural environment. Materials such as green cover, polycarbonate panels, metal sheets, and terracotta finishes are employed to ensure the museum merges seamlessly with the landscape. The gate complex, with its traditional Bengal architecture elements, is particularly noted for its integration with the local cultural heritage.

Internal Layout

Inside the museum, the design aims to recreate the essence of 19th-century Bengal through a variety of exhibits and experiences. The circular atrium houses reconstructed life-size displays, meandering landscapes, and a digital panorama. This enclosed space will feature:

Reconstructed Structures:

Life-size models and displays representing key aspects of Bengal’s history.

Landscaping:

Greenery and meandering pathways to enhance the immersive experience.

Digital Panorama:

A unique digital experience showcasing the historical period in an innovative format.

Design Approach

The design philosophy prioritizes the creation of a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. By incorporating a large, circular atrium with a transparent roof, the museum not only achieves a modern and functional aesthetic but also ensures that the exhibits are protected from the elements. This approach facilitates a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding natural beauty while preserving the integrity of the exhibits.

The site layout for the Living History Museum is meticulously planned to enhance visitor experience while respecting the natural and ecological context of the Gajoldoba region. The layout is designed to integrate the museum’s various components within a harmonious and functional framework, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

Overall Layout

The museum is situated centrally within the proposed 15.6-acre site, which is part of the larger Gajoldoba mega tourism hub. The design focuses on creating a cohesive and well-organized layout that accommodates all essential functions while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

Main Components

The site layout includes several key components:

Gate Complex:

The entrance to the museum is marked by a distinctive gate complex, which combines traditional Bengal architecture with modern elements. This complex houses ticket counters, security and control rooms, cloakrooms, ATM facilities, and restrooms. It serves as the initial point of interaction for visitors, providing access to both pedestrian and vehicular areas.

The Circular Atrium:

The main exhibition space is housed within a large circular atrium. This atrium is designed to be sunken into the ground, reducing its visual impact and integrating it with the natural topography. The atrium is covered by a transparent polycarbonate roof, providing natural light and protection for the exhibits while blending with the environment.

Major Facilities:

Surrounding the atrium is a semi-circular enclosure that houses critical facilities such as a conference hall, orientation center, front office, information kiosks, restoration center, and storage areas. This enclosure also includes an open-air theatre and a crafts bazaar, providing a variety of services and amenities for visitors.

The Digital Panorama:

At the center of the atrium is a cylindrical structure known as the Digital Panorama. This component features a viewing platform and a 360-degree digital display, offering an immersive experience that complements the physical exhibits.

Cafeteria and Service Facilities:

A circular extension around the atrium includes facilities such as a cafeteria, restrooms, an AHU (Air Handling Unit), sewage treatment plant, underground water tank, and storage areas. The cafeteria is designed to accommodate approximately 100 visitors and is equipped with necessary kitchen services.

Parking:

Parking areas are located on either side of the gate complex, with designated spaces for buses and cars. The parking strategy includes restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles, promoting the use of electric or CNG-operated vehicles to minimize environmental impact.

Visitor Flow and Circulation

Upon arrival, visitors enter the museum through the gate complex and proceed along defined pathways leading to the main atrium. The layout ensures smooth visitor movement through:

Entrance Foyer:

This area serves as the initial gathering point, where visitors undergo ticketing and security checks before proceeding further.

Central Core:

A central core connects various levels of the museum, including the lower ground, entrance level, and digital panorama. This core features elevators and staircases for accessibility, as well as fire escape routes.

Exit Pathway:

After exploring the museum, visitors follow a designated path leading from the atrium to the exit foyer, completing their museum experience efficiently.

Vehicular Access:

A separate vehicular ramp connects the gate complex to the lower ground level, facilitating the movement of goods and emergency services. This ramp also serves as an additional pedestrian escape route in emergencies.

Future Expansion

The layout is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for future expansion if needed. The current design, covering an area of 4,333 square meters, adequately meets the museum’s needs but can be adjusted to accommodate additional requirements without disrupting the existing setup.

The functional layout of the Living History Museum is meticulously designed to provide a seamless and engaging visitor experience while supporting the operational needs of the museum. This layout integrates various functional components within a coherent structure, ensuring that all aspects of the museum's operations are efficiently managed.

Main Functional Components

The museum is organized into several key functional areas, each serving a specific purpose to enhance both the visitor experience and the museum's operational efficiency:

Gate Complex:

The gate complex is the primary entry and exit point for visitors. It features:

Ticket Counters:

For ticketing and visitor information.

Security and Control Room:

To manage security and oversee the museum’s operations.

Cloakroom:

For visitor belongings.

ATM and Restrooms:

For convenience and accessibility.

The Circular Atrium:

Central to the museum, the atrium houses:

Main Exhibits:

Life-size displays and reconstructed structures representing various aspects of 19th-century Bengal.

Green Landscaping:

Meandering pathways and greenery to enhance the immersive experience.

Major Facilities:

Encircling the atrium, this area includes:

Conference Hall:

For events and meetings.

Orientation Center:

For visitor briefings and initial information.

Front Office/Reception:

For general inquiries and assistance.

Information Kiosks:

To provide additional visitor information.

Restoration Center:

For the maintenance and conservation of exhibits.

Stores and Security Rooms:

For operational support and security management.

Open-Air Theatre:

An outdoor space for performances and cultural events.

The Digital Panorama:

A cylindrical structure featuring:

Viewing Platform:

For visitors to view the digital displays.

360-Degree Digital Display:

Providing an immersive experience through advanced digital media.

Cafeteria and Service Facilities:

Includes:

Cafeteria:

Seating for approximately 100 visitors, with kitchen facilities.

Restrooms:

Located around the atrium for visitor convenience.

AHU (Air Handling Unit):

For climate control.

Sewage Treatment Plant:

For managing waste.

Underground Water Tank:

For water storage and management.

Compact Substation:

For power distribution.

Parking:

The parking layout includes:

Bus and Car Parking:

On either side of the gate complex with spaces for up to 9 buses and 44 cars.

Electric and CNG Vehicles:

Encouraged for environmental sustainability.

Visitor Circulation

Visitor flow through the museum is carefully planned to ensure a smooth and enriching experience. Key aspects include:

Entrance and Exit Pathways:

Clearly defined pathways guide visitors from the gate complex to the atrium and back to the exit.

Central Core:

Connects various levels of the museum, including elevators and staircases for accessibility and emergency exits.

Exhibit Navigation:

Visitors explore the exhibits in the atrium, moving from the main displays to the digital panorama for a concluding experience.

Vehicular Access:

Separate ramp for goods and emergency vehicle access, ensuring smooth operational flow.

Operational Efficiency

The functional layout is designed to support efficient museum operations, with dedicated areas for essential services and visitor amenities. This organization ensures that the museum operates smoothly while providing a high-quality experience for all visitors.

The movement and circulation within the Living History Museum are meticulously designed to ensure a smooth and engaging visitor experience while also addressing operational and safety requirements. The layout focuses on optimizing visitor flow, accessibility, and efficient management of the museum's various functions.

Visitor Flow and Circulation

The visitor circulation is carefully planned to facilitate an intuitive and enjoyable experience. Key elements of the circulation system include:

Entrance and Exit Pathways:

Visitors enter the museum through the Gate Complex, where they proceed to the ticket counters and security checks. After passing through, visitors follow one of two defined pathways—one leading to the entrance foyer and the other towards the exit. These pathways connect the entrance and exit with minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape.

Central Circulation Core:

The central core of the museum facilitates movement between different levels. It includes:

Elevators and Staircases:

Two sets of elevators and staircases provide access between the entrance level (+1000 mm), the lower ground level (-3000 mm), and the Digital Panorama (+4000 mm). The core also includes a fire escape staircase connecting the lower ground to the natural ground level.

Handicap-Friendly Features:

The design incorporates accessible elevators and staircases to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Exhibit Navigation:

After entering the museum, visitors ascend to an elevated level for an overview of the exhibits before descending to the lower ground level. The layout ensures that visitors experience the full scope of the museum, from the main exhibits in the Circular Atrium to the Digital Panorama, which offers a unique digital experience.

Exit Route:

Following their visit, visitors use the exit pathway to return to the Gate Complex, completing their museum experience. The circulation plan is designed to manage visitor flow efficiently and prevent congestion.

Operational and Emergency Access

In addition to visitor circulation, the design addresses operational needs and emergency situations:

Vehicular Access:

A dedicated vehicular ramp from the Gate Complex provides access to the lower ground level for goods and exhibit movement. This ramp also serves as an emergency access route for fire engines and other emergency vehicles.

Emergency Exits:

The layout includes multiple emergency exits, including the fire escape staircase, to ensure safe evacuation in case of an emergency.

Service Areas:

Designated service areas are integrated into the layout to support museum operations, including areas for maintenance, security, and staff facilities.