Vigyan Gram Agartala

Location

The proposed site for Vigyan Gram spans 9 acres in Agartala, Tripura. This area is part of the Tripura State Council for Science & Technology's project aimed at establishing a Vigyan Gram (Regional Science City).

Accessibility

Situated near the National Highway, the site ensures easy access by public transport. To facilitate direct access, an access road of approximately 140 meters is required to connect Vigyan Gram directly to the highway.

Environmental Considerations

In planning the site, several environmental considerations have been outlined:

• Preserve and protect the landscape during construction.
• Soil conservation measures will be implemented until post-construction.
• Hard surfaces on site will be optimized to reduce environmental impact.
• Strategies will be employed to reduce air pollution during construction.

Objective

The primary objective of Vigyan Gram is to empower people through science communication. The project focuses on engaging youth by providing a participatory, non-formal approach to learning.

Learning Environment

Vigyan Gram aims to create activity-based learning environments characterized by both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It will offer fully participatory training programs for children and adults, supplementing formal science education with fun and interactive learning experiences.

Architectural Features

The architectural design of Vigyan Gram incorporates astronomy-related metaphors, emphasizing its connection to science. Key features include:

• Sloping curvilinear roofs that mimic celestial shapes.
• Bamboo cladding over reinforced concrete (RCC) surfaces, integrating natural materials into the design.
• A continuous window design that symbolizes the universe and promotes natural lighting.
• Rich, vibrant colors and integrated natural elements that blend the built form with the surrounding environment.

Entrances

Vigyan Gram features two proposed entrances: one from the northwest corner, serving as the main entrance, and another from the southwest corner, which will be a subsidiary entrance for the auditorium complex.

Divided Areas

The site is organized into four main parts, facilitating distinct functionalities:

• Exhibition Halls
• Planetarium
• Auditorium, Seminar Halls, Activity Centers, and Service Areas
• Science Park and Outdoor Facilities

Main Entrance Area

The main entrance leads visitors through a promenade gate complex to a parking area designed to accommodate cars, scooters, and buses. Adjacent to the parking area, a cafeteria will provide a visitor waiting area and restrooms.

Secondary Entrance

The secondary entrance offers access to the auditorium complex and a temporary exhibition hall, ensuring ease of movement for visitors accessing various facilities.

Main Building

The main building of Vigyan Gram comprises several key components, including exhibition halls, a planetarium, an auditorium, seminar halls, activity centers, and service areas. The building is strategically positioned to enhance visibility and the overall entrance experience while minimizing tree removal. Only 4-5 trees will be cut down, and for each tree removed, 10 new trees will be planted.

The structure will consist of ground plus one storey, allowing for a spacious interior while maintaining a connection to the surrounding landscape. The museum and auditorium lobbies will be interconnected, although they will feature separate entrances for independent access.

Exhibition Halls (Phase 1)

Phase 1 includes six exhibition halls designed to accommodate various displays and activities:

• Two halls of 600 sqm
• Three halls of 500 sqm
• One hall of 300 sqm

The ground floor will house three of these halls (one 600 sqm and two 500 sqm), complete with accessible toilets. The design of the corner hall, shaped like a truncated cone, optimizes ground floor space while maintaining a smaller area on the first floor. A ramp encircles this structure, enhancing accessibility for children and individuals with disabilities.

Phase 2 will introduce additional halls and facilities, further optimizing visitor circulation and ensuring a dynamic experience.

Planetarium

The proposed digital planetarium will accommodate approximately 65 people and will be located near the auditorium. Its curvilinear wall design draws inspiration from the architectural style of Jantar Mantar in Delhi, reinforcing its identity as a science building.

Auditorium and Activity Areas

The auditorium is designed to seat 400 users and is connected to the main entrance lobby, with provisions for separate access for independent use. It includes seminar halls, a 3D digital studio, and children's activity areas, enhancing the educational experience. Additionally, an open terrace over the auditorium will be utilized for astronomical observations.

Science Park

The design of the Science Park takes advantage of the undulating site, with slopes and clusters of trees creating an ideal environment for outdoor learning. Proposed features include:

• An aviary
• An animalarium
• A medicinal plant corner
• Solar energy exhibits
• Biogas plants
• Picnic areas
• Snack bars

At the entrance area, a large "constellation pool" will feature a water body surrounded by zodiac-themed shrubs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and educational value of the space.

Site Circulation Planning

The design of Vigyan Gram emphasizes efficient site circulation to enhance accessibility and visitor experience. The layout incorporates clearly defined pathways and routes to facilitate movement throughout the facility.

Entrances and Access

With two designated entrances—one main entrance from the northwest corner and a secondary entrance from the southwest corner—visitors can easily access different areas of the site. The main entrance leads visitors through a promenade gate complex to a centrally located parking area, which is conveniently situated for cars, scooters, and buses.

Accessibility Features

The design ensures that all facilities, including exhibition halls, the planetarium, and the auditorium, are easily accessible. Ramps and accessible pathways will be integrated into the layout, making it user-friendly for children and individuals with disabilities.

Internal Circulation

Within the main building, circulation is designed to promote intuitive movement among the various spaces. Separate entrances for the museum and auditorium lobbies allow for independent access while ensuring that visitors can navigate seamlessly between the different functional areas.

Visitor Experience

Outdoor spaces, including the Science Park, are integrated into the movement and circulation plan. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the park's features, including the aviary, animalarium, and constellation pool, creating an interactive learning environment that enhances the overall experience at Vigyan Gram.