Oil Museum Guwahati

The proposed site for the Oil Museum is strategically located along NH37 near Khanapara at Guwahati. This location provides a significant historical context, as Guwahati is closely associated with India's initial petroleum journey, beginning from the Digboi Well No. 1.

Location and Context

The site is situated on the northern side of NH37, which runs in a north-east to south-west direction. The average road level (RL) near the site is +60 meters. The area is characterized by a prominent hillock at the front and flat land at the rear. This natural topography has influenced the museum’s design and layout.

Site Characteristics

The hillock rises approximately 13 meters above the road level and is elliptical in shape. The rear side of the site is level ground, where a guest house belonging to NIRSD-NERC is located on the northern end. To the west of the proposed site are industrial sheds of poor aesthetic quality. To the east, the plot extends into an uninhabited green belt, which adds to the site's natural appeal.

Site Morphology

The design of the museum takes full advantage of the hillock’s contours, positioning the building over three different levels. A 6.0-meter-wide road encircles the hillock, providing access to various parts of the museum and ensuring easy access for fire tenders in case of emergencies. The road rises from the entrance level to the top of the hillock, loops around the museum, and then slopes down to the gate complex, connecting different entries including the service entry and activity center.

The rear side of the plot, which is level, will feature several outdoor exhibits related to oil exploration and refining processes. Additionally, a water body is planned for the northern end of the plot, where a replica of the Sagar Samrat will be housed. This water feature will serve as an impressive backdrop to the museum.

The Oil Museum's design concept centers around creating an engaging and interactive experience for visitors, with a focus on the themes of oil and fossil fuels. The design incorporates both experiential and interactive elements, aiming to enhance learning and visitor engagement.

Museum Concept

The Oil Museum is envisioned as an experiential and interactive science interpretation center. It aims to present oil-related information through dynamic and hands-on exhibits. This concept emphasizes the educational value of the museum by combining interactive displays with experience-based learning. The museum will include thematic exhibition galleries, each dedicated to different aspects of oil exploration and use.

Architectural Response

The architectural design responds thoughtfully to the site's natural topography. The museum is planned to be integrated with the hillock, which provides a unique opportunity to create a structure that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The building is designed to fit within the hillock’s contours, featuring three floor plates and multiple entrances to ensure accessibility and visual appeal. The aim is to create an iconic and memorable structure that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.

Green Building Norms

The design adheres to green building norms, incorporating several sustainable features to minimize environmental impact. Key elements include:

Roof Design

The roof is equipped with heat-reflective tiles and solar panels to reduce heat island effects.

Landscaping

The hard-paved areas are minimized to enhance landscape coverage and reduce the heat island effect.

Accessibility Features

Ramps with appropriate slopes, elevators with Braille and audio assistance, and strategically located toilets ensure accessibility for differently-abled visitors.

Environmental Conservation

The site planning minimizes disruption to natural ecosystems and maximizes benefits from the prevailing micro-climate. Consolidated service lines reduce excavation needs.

Additional innovative measures include real-time displays of energy performance and water consumption, non-toxic building materials, and a focus on reducing construction waste. The project also encourages carpooling and vanpooling among staff and visitors to further support sustainability goals.

The site layout for the Oil Museum is meticulously planned to optimize the use of the available space while integrating the natural topography of the hillock. The layout incorporates various functional areas, ensuring efficient operation and a positive visitor experience.

Gate Complex

The gate complex is situated at the southeastern corner of the site. This entrance serves as the primary access point for visitors and sets the tone for the museum experience. It is designed to be impressive and welcoming, marking the beginning of the museum journey.

Parking

Parking facilities are located at the northwest corner of the plot. The parking area is designed to accommodate the expected visitor volume of around 500 people per day. This location ensures convenient access to the museum's main areas while keeping vehicular traffic efficiently managed.

Loading/Unloading Areas

The loading and unloading areas are strategically positioned adjacent to the temporary exhibition hall, offices, workshop, and stores. This placement facilitates smooth logistics for goods and materials, with ample circulation space to handle vehicular movement and ensure operational efficiency.

Outdoor Exhibits

Located on the rear side of the plot, the outdoor exhibits area features various oil-related artifacts and displays. This section of the museum is dedicated to showcasing outdoor installations related to oil exploration and refining, including the upstream, mid-stream, and downstream processes.

Water Body

A prominent feature of the site layout is a planned water body at the northern end of the plot. This water body will house a replica of the Sagar Samrat, creating an impressive backdrop and adding an aesthetic element to the museum’s outdoor environment.

Canteen

A canteen is proposed for the northeastern corner of the plot. This facility will cater to the needs of visitors, providing food and beverages in a convenient location close to the entrance and other key areas of the museum.

The functional layout of the Oil Museum is carefully designed to facilitate a seamless visitor experience while accommodating various operational needs. The layout includes several key areas, each serving specific purposes to enhance both educational and practical aspects of the museum.

Main Museum

The main museum building is structured across three levels to align with the site's natural contours and functional requirements. The layout is divided into distinct areas, each serving different aspects of the museum’s offerings.

Entrance Foyer

Located at the +73M level, the entrance foyer is a spacious circular atrium, 20 meters in diameter and 15 meters high. It features a combination of polycarbonate glass roofing and solar panels, creating an inviting and well-lit entry point. The foyer provides access to the main exhibition halls and serves as a central hub for visitors.

Exhibition Halls

The main museum houses five thematic exhibition halls, each dedicated to different aspects of oil and fossil fuel history and technology:

• Oil Through Ages
• The Black Gold
• Upstream
• Mid Stream
• Downstream

These halls are designed to provide comprehensive information and engaging displays about various stages of oil processing and its historical significance.

Activity Centre

The activity center, located at the +68M level, includes several facilities designed to support educational and public activities:

• 160-Seat Auditorium: A venue for lectures, presentations, and events.
• Temporary Exhibition Hall: Space for rotating exhibitions and special displays.
• Students' Activity Centre: Dedicated area for educational activities and workshops for students.
• Conference Hall: Facility for meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• 3D Hall: An immersive space for 3D presentations and interactive exhibits.
• Library: A resource center for research and learning related to oil and fossil fuels.

Service Area

The service area includes essential operational facilities such as:

• Office: Administrative and management offices.
• Conference Room/Director Room: Space for meetings and executive functions.
• Workshop/Stores: Areas for maintenance and storage.
• Toilets: Facilities for both public and staff use.

Upper Level

The upper level of the main museum features two large exhibition halls, designed to accommodate expansive displays and exhibits:

• Exhibition Hall 1: 510 square meters.
• Exhibition Hall 2: 520 square meters.

These halls are connected to the lower levels through a wide passage and are visually integrated with the central atrium. The remaining space on this level is allocated for open terraces, providing areas for outdoor activities and scenic views.

The design of the Oil Museum incorporates a thoughtful approach to movement and circulation, ensuring efficient visitor flow and operational functionality. The layout is designed to facilitate easy access, manage traffic, and enhance the overall visitor experience.

Access Roads

A 6.0-meter-wide road encircles the hillock, providing multiple access points and ensuring smooth movement throughout the site. This road rises from the entrance level to the top of the hillock, loops around the museum building, and slopes down to the gate complex. It connects various entries, including the service entry and activity center, and ensures that emergency vehicles, such as fire tenders, can access all areas of the building if needed.

Vertical Circulation

The museum's design includes multiple staircases and lifts to facilitate vertical movement between the different levels of the building. These circulation nodes are strategically placed to cater to both public and service needs:

Public Circulation

Staircases and lifts are located near the entrance foyers and throughout the building to ensure easy access for visitors. The main circulation nodes are positioned to provide convenient access to exhibition halls, the activity center, and other key areas.

Service Circulation

Separate staircases and lifts are provided for staff and goods movement, particularly near the service areas and workshop. This separation helps maintain operational efficiency and minimizes disruptions to visitor areas.

Pedestrian and Vehicular Segregation

The site layout includes measures to segregate pedestrian and vehicular traffic effectively:

Pedestrian Pathways

Dedicated footpaths and walkways are provided to ensure safe and comfortable movement for visitors. These pathways are designed to enhance the pedestrian experience and connect various parts of the site.

Vehicular Roads

The loop road and parking areas are designed to manage vehicle traffic efficiently while keeping it separate from pedestrian areas. This segregation helps reduce congestion and ensures a smooth flow of both visitors and vehicles.

Landscaping and Pause Points

The site layout also incorporates landscaping elements and pause points to enhance the visitor experience. Sculptures, fountains, ramps, and vistas are strategically placed to provide visual interest and create enjoyable spaces for visitors to rest and explore. These features contribute to the overall ambiance of the museum and encourage engagement with the site’s natural and designed environment.